
<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the
Consolidated Balance Sheet of Steel Dynamics, Inc. at June 30, 1997 and the
Consolidated Statement of Operations for the six months ended June 30, 1997 and
is qualified in its entirety by reference to such financial statements.
</LEGEND>
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               JUN-30-1997
<CASH>                                          22,293
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   36,989
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                     56,829
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               117,328
<PP&E>                                         437,610
<DEPRECIATION>                                  27,338
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 552,603
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           56,652
<BONDS>                                        199,530
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                           479
<OTHER-SE>                                     294,474
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   552,603
<SALES>                                        200,777
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               200,777
<CGS>                                          150,180
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  162,659
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                               (1,525)
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                   563
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               3,995
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 35,648
<INCOME-TAX>                                     5,494
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             30,154
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    30,154
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     (.63)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                        0
        

</TABLE>
