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Tenaris gets big bucks for upgrades (video)

Investment will strengthen local steel industry

Glenn Thibeault MPP for Sudbury announced $2 million Tenaris Algoma Tubes’ modernization project through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation this morning in Sault Ste Marie. The announcement was on behalf of Michael Gravelle, minister of Northern Development and Mines.

The investment will go along with a $6 million commitment from Tenaris will be used for plant upgrades, help to lower operating costs and improve energy efficiency. Upgrades will include the modernization of equipment and plant facilities. This investment also allowed Tenaris to re-open their plant, following a temporary suspension of operations in 2016, securing 130 local jobs.

"This is how government continues to work with businesses to ensure that can we continue to see the growth of industries that we all know here," said Thibeault following this morning's announcement. "It's important for us to have a strong economic industry base and today's announcement is an example of that."

David McHattie, vice president of public affairs for Tenaris told SooToday they have approximately 450 employees today "and this is the right level for the market conditions we have today. Drilling activity, which is the driver of demand for us is much better than it was one year ago, but the level of uncertainty that existed one year ago continues to exist today."

Full text of a news release issued today by the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines follows.

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Ontario is securing jobs in Sault Ste. Marie by supporting upgrades to the Tenaris Algoma Tubes seamless pipe mill.

Aug 25 tubesGlenn Thibeault, MPP for Sudbury (right) announces a $2 million investment for upgrades at Tenaris Algoma Tubes.

Glenn Thibeault, MPP for Sudbury, made the announcement today on behalf of Michael Gravelle, Minister of Northern Development and Mines at Tenaris Algoma Tubes.

The province's investment in plant upgrades will help to lower operating costs and improve energy efficiency. Upgrades will include the modernization of equipment and plant facilities. This investment also allowed Tenaris to re-open their plant, following a temporary suspension of operations in 2016, securing 130 local jobs.

Supporting the manufacturing sector in the North is part of our plan to create jobs, grow the economy and help people in their everyday lives.

Quick facts

Ontario is investing $2 million in Tenaris Algoma Tubes’ modernization project through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC).

  • Tenaris is the only manufacturer of seamless steel pipes in Canada serving the nation’s oil and gas industry. The manufacturer temporarily suspended operations in Sault Ste. Marie in February 2016 due to a downturn in the oil and gas market. Strong demand and new orders for their products allowed Tenaris to resume operations at the plant in November 2016. Tenaris has transformed its business model through its Rig Direct™ services to offer a comprehensive product range through a shorter and more efficient supply chain reducing costs, streamlining processes and lowering environmental footprints.

  • Since 2013, the province has invested over $533 million through the NOHFC in more than 3,317 projects, leveraging over $2 billion in direct economic activity and creating or sustaining 13,926 jobs in Northern Ontario.

  • In the Sault Ste. Marie area alone, the NOHFC has invested over $73 million in 413 projects that have helped create or retain 4,764 jobs since 2013.

Quotes

By investing in manufacturing operations like Tenaris Algoma Tubes in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario is strengthening the Northern economy and providing job opportunities for regional communities. These investments demonstrate our government’s commitment to creating good jobs and economic growth across the North.”

Michael Gravelle, minister of Northern Development and Mines and chair of the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC)

“Support for Tenaris Algoma Tubes is part of our government’s commitment to build up Sault Ste. Marie and communities across Northern Ontario. As a result of this important investment, a considerable number of high-skilled employees are returning to work, giving the community a significant economic boost.”

Glenn Thibeault, MPP for Sudbury

“This investment demonstrates the commitment the provincial government has to Sault Ste. Marie and our economic growth. As the only Canadian manufacturer of seamless steel pipes, we are fortunate to have this world class facility in our community. This investment to modernize Tenaris will ensure its sustainability for years to come.”

Christian Provenzano, mayor of Sault Ste. Marie

“An advanced manufacturing facility that is safe, energy efficient and environmentally compliant is in the best interest of Tenaris employees, customers and our community. The investment provided by the Ontario government is allowing Tenaris to modernize equipment to maintain regulatory compliance and enhance technological capabilities to better serve the Canadian energy industry.”

David McHattie, vice president, Public Affairs, Canada, Tenaris

Additional resources

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