Tenaris Algoma Tubes is spending $6 million to upgrade its pipe mill in Sault Ste. Marie.
The company is trying to stay current in the ever-competitive energy industry.
"New technology into our rotary hearth furnace will enable that to be more energy efficient and it enables us to put new burners into our quench furnace in our heat treatment line," said David McHattie, Tenaris Algoma Tubes vice president.
The province is playing a big role in the company's modernization plan, investing $2 million through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC).
Energy Minister and Sudbury's MPP Glenn Thibeault said the investment is all about protecting the north.
“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,” he said.
The upgrades to mill started earlier this month.
Currently, it is shut down for the next two weeks while crews work on installing the new technology and equipment.
McHattie said the money allowed the company to get back up and running sooner than originally expected; which is good for workers.
"We've committed to around 130 jobs over the long run and today we've added more than that number of jobs. We're very hopeful we'll be able to sustain this," he said.
In total, between 400 and 500 people work at Tenaris; the mill is one of Sault Ste. Marie's largest employers.
The entire project is expected to be completed in the next 12 months, but the company adds that 75% of it should be done by the end of September.
