Areas of Expertise
The primary activities of Alberta’s metal fabrication sector with the greatest growth potential in the province include:
Architectural and Structural Metals Manufacturing
The architectural and structural metals manufacturing industry is the largest component of Alberta’s fabricated metal products sector, accounting for half of the sector’s shipments. Companies involved in the sub-sector build and erect the structural steel for industrial projects like oil sands plants, refineries, bridges, and commercial and industrial buildings.
Boiler, Tank & Shipping Container Manufacturing
Tank, pressure vessel and heat exchanger manufacturing is another area experiencing substantial growth. These are used primarily for chemical plants, refineries, bitumen upgraders and gas compression. This sub-sector constitutes 25% of the sector’s overall shipments and is a key opportunity of growth for years to come.
Coating, Engraving, Heat Treating & Allied Activities
Custom coating of metal products in Alberta includes plating, dipping, powder coating and painting of metal fabricated parts for a wide variety of products. Heat treating of metal products includes all heat and cryogenic treatments for metal.
Machine Shops, Turned Products & Screw, Nut & Bolt Manufacturing
Machining and welding shops in Alberta supply a wide range of products. Metal valves, wire and wire rope products, plate work, industrial fasteners and miscellaneous parts are manufactured for a wide range of end uses. Growth in the sector has been supported by the strong oil and gas sector with shipments increasing by over 18% alone in 2006 from the year before and is expected to remain high.
The largest companies in this sub-sector include Almac Machine Works, Risley Machine and GN Corporation.
