Alberta's Metal Fabrication Sector - Providing Goods at Home and Abroad
Alberta is quickly becoming one of Canada’s major metal manufacturing centres, behind only Ontario and Quebec. The Metal Fabrication sector comprises the Primary Metals, Fabricated Metals, Metal Service Centres and Transportation Equipment Manufacturing subsectors. The Sector will generate approximately CDN$9 billion in revenues in 2007.
It is estimated by the Conference Board of Canada that the average annual growth in real domestic demand for this industry will be 10.3% per year from 2005 to 2009. From 2005 to 2010, Alberta’s metal products fabrication sector is forecast to generate approximately CDN$48 billion in revenues.
The Sector includes over 30,000 employees and 1,350 companies, 85% of which have fewer than 50 employees.
Metal fabrication and the energy sector
Alberta’s oil sands will require more than $100 billion of new construction and maintenance spending in the next 50 years, much of it for fabricated metal products. This impressive market opportunity has attracted world attention. Global supply chains emerging from Alberta have expanded and formed as new oil sands construction cycles begin.
Energy sector demands present a remarkable opportunity for Alberta’s metal fabrication companies to grow and set the stage for new competition to arrive from points across the country, continent and world.
Industry innovation and development
In response to the unprecedented demand placed on local manufacturers, Alberta’s metal fabrication companies are looking to new and innovative practices, with an increased focus on research and technology.
When coupled with a provincial government that strongly supports industry development, innovative research and technology will help keep Alberta’s metal fabrication sector well positioned to remain competitive in the global market.
Educating and building a skilled workforce
The metal fabrication industry is also supported by educational institutions committed to developing a highly skilled workforce. Strong relationships between employers and educational institutions have created a wide variety of world-class educational programs that ensure that students have adequate skills to meet the needs of industry.
For more information on the metal fabrication sector, see:
- Areas of Expertise
- Associations
- Business Directories
- Government Initiatives
- Industry Intelligence
- Metal Fab Pulse Newsletter
- Upcoming Events
Contact:
- Lynn Wyton, Director, Metal Fabrication
- Allison Byrne, Investment and Industry Development Officer
