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State Senator Thomas Alexander (right) accepts the Man of Steel Award from Nucor Steel representative Matt Manelli. Alexander was feted by some 200 friends, relatives and colleagues at a luncheon Friday. Photo by Jessica Nelms/Staff

SENECA — Nucor Steel South Carolina presented its "Man of Steel" Award to Senator Thomas Alexander Friday. The honor recognized Alexander for his leadership in the South Carolina Legislature to strengthen American manufacturing and his support for recycling and sound environmental policies.

Nucor Steel South Carolina Controller Matt Manelli commended Alexander's efforts on issues affecting South Carolina's manufacturers, and his work as a member of the Senate Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee, which has promoted a balanced approach to business and environmental policies.

"Nucor honors Senator Alexander's commitment to manufacturers and working men and women in the State of South Carolina. We also recognize his support of the recycling industry and his efforts in the South Carolina General Assembly on behalf of the state's manufacturers," said Manelli. "Senator Alexander has been an effective voice for members of the recycling and manufacturing industry and citizens in the State of South Carolina as a whole."

"I am honored to receive such an award. With the ever changing patterns in environmental and world trade policy, it is extremely important for us to work to ensure that domestic manufacturing remains competitive in the global economy, while supporting and promoting clean and efficient recycling as a vital component," Alexander said in accepting the award.

The senator also thanked the community for its support and kindness. “The foundation of this award is you,” Alexander told a crowd of some 200 gathered at Seneca’ Gignilliat Center for the luncheon event.

“Government needs to be a partner with those who are fighting in the trenches day in and day out,” he added.

Manufacturing is a major contributor to the state's economy, with 20 percent of the state's Gross State Product coming from that sector. The manufacturing industry throughout the state has seen a marked and continual decline over the past decade, having lost more than 95,000 jobs.

Nucor Corporation and affiliates manufacture steel products, with operating facilities in 23 states, and Nucor is the nation's largest recycler and largest steelmaker. The firm employs more than 1,900 people at its four South Carolina locations.

Alexander jokingly suggested to Manelli that if Nucor is looking for any new sites, they could consider Oconee County.