Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced on Feb. 20, 2025, that the fourth project under the new Texas Jobs, Energy, Technology and Innovation (JETI) program is Vinton Steel LLC, a subsidiary of Kyoei Steel LTD of Osaka, Japan.
During a press conference at Vinton Steel in Vinton, Texas, Abbott said Vinton Steel will invest more than $229 million and create more than 180 new jobs in an expansion of its advanced manufacturing facility that recycles ferrous scrap into new steel products.
"Vinton Steel is a critical part of the Texas steel manufacturing sector," Abbott said. "This is the kind of capital-intensive project that JETI can help support. We want to ensure that companies like Vinton Steel thrive, and we want Texas employees to earn a better paycheck from a high-demand job like steelmaking. With more than 180 new jobs and a $229 million investment, Vinton Steel is making a Texas-sized investment in the future of El Paso County and is an important part in the stronger, more prosperous Texas we are building."
Vinton Steel is a mini-mill that produces steel with electric arc furnace (EAF) technology and uses ferrous scrap as a primary raw material. The steel-making facility consists of two EAFs and a continuous casting and rolling mill that recycles more than 250,000 tons per year. A Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF) grant of $1,504,000 was extended to Vinton. In addition, the company received a $12,000 veteran-created job bonus.
Abbott was joined at the announcement by Vinton Steel Chairman Masahiro Kitada, El Paso County Judge Ricardo Samaniego, Vinton Mayor Rachel Quintana and Borderplex Alliance CEO Jon Barela.
"I want to thank Governor Abbott, the Texas Economic Development and Tourism Office, The Borderplex Alliance, and all our local and state partners for their leadership in securing this investment in our community," state Sen. César J. Blanco said. "This investment is more than just an expansion — it's a commitment to the hardworking people of El Paso and west Texas. The jobs created here will provide good wages, stability and new opportunities for families in our region.
"Vinton Steel's growth reinforces El Paso's position as a hub for advanced manufacturing and innovation. By supporting projects like this, we are building a future where our workforce thrives, our economy strengthens and our community remains competitive on a global scale. I'm proud to champion investments that deliver lasting prosperity for El Paso and the Borderplex region."
"I'm very proud of Vinton Steel and excited for the nearly 200 high-paying jobs this new JETI and Texas Enterprise Fund project will bring to District 78," state Rep. Joe Moody said. "Many of those jobs will go to El Paso-area veterans, and the significant capital investment that will come along with this will pay dividends to our community for years to come."
"We are excited to announce this transformative upgrade at Vinton Steel, which has been a cornerstone of our community since 1962," Kitada said. "With the support of our parent company, Kyoei Steel Group, we are not just expanding our capacity but are also leading the charge towards sustainability with our state-of-the art new green steel-making process. This is a testament to our dedication to both economic and environmental stewardship in the Borderplex region."
