Representative Darin LaHood Tours Zekelman Industries to Discuss Domestic Issues and Manufacturing
U.S. Representative Darin LaHood recently visited Zekelman Industries in Rochelle, meeting with Chairman and CEO Barry Zekelman. The discussions focused on critical domestic issues including manufacturing, trade policies, and the growing demand for skilled labor. Zekelman Industries, which has invested over $250 million in its Rochelle facility since 2019, currently employs approximately 380 individuals and produces between 3,500 to 3,700 tons of steel conduit weekly. This output is driven by increasing demand, particularly from data centers and other infrastructure projects. Both LaHood and Zekelman highlighted the urgent need for workers with mechanical, electrical, and technical skills to address the current labor shortage in manufacturing. The conversation also touched upon the importance of domestic steel production, the rising need for electricity to support data centers, and the competitive landscape with China in technology and manufacturing sectors. LaHood emphasized the need for the United States... 
