American Katerra, a steel fabrication company specializing in decarbonized supply chains, is establishing its headquarters in San Antonio, Texas. The company leverages expertise from its parent, Yamaguchi Heavy Industries of Tokyo, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across the steel supply chain while creating new jobs in advanced manufacturing.
The company's core service involves calculating and significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the steel manufacturing stage through to the construction site. Utilizing advanced Building Information Modeling software, American Katerra meticulously tracks and optimizes emissions, partnering with initiatives like EV trucking and anti-idling campaigns to achieve a greener carbon footprint for structural steel. Milea Amanai, the company's HR Lead, stated in an interview on The Building Texas Show that their goal is to decarbonize steel and build a greener Texas.
San Antonio was chosen for its strategic advantages, including Texas' zero corporate tax, a robust demographic of young, skilled talent from institutions like Alamo College District, and the region's strong ties to Japanese investment. Bilateral US-Japan investment, supported by organizations like the Japan Bank of International Cooperation, further propelled the decision.
American Katerra plans to open its first U.S. steel fabrication factory in San Antonio by 2028. This facility will focus on structural steel for AI data plants, warehouses, and commercial buildings, integrating advanced automated welding robotics alongside manual welders. The company also projects global expansion, with plans to establish operations in Pittsburgh by 2030 and later in the UK.
The company is actively recruiting for engineering, design, and welding professionals to join its growing team. American Katerra also seeks partnerships with logistics firms, construction companies, and developers committed to sustainable building solutions.
This development represents a significant shift toward sustainable industrial practices in a traditionally carbon-intensive sector. The steel industry accounts for approximately 7% of global carbon dioxide emissions, making decarbonization efforts crucial for meeting climate targets. American Katerra's model of integrating emission tracking from manufacturing through construction could set a new standard for transparency and accountability in green building materials.
For the San Antonio region, the headquarters and planned factory bring economic diversification beyond traditional sectors, positioning the area as a hub for advanced, sustainable manufacturing. The focus on training and hiring local talent from institutions like Alamo College District creates pathways for skilled careers in green technology. The company's expansion plans to Pittsburgh and the UK suggest a scalable model that could influence global steel production practices, potentially reducing the carbon footprint of infrastructure projects worldwide.
