Supermetal acquires its first U.S. plant

The structural steel manufacturer Supermetal earlier this week announced the acquisition of its first assembly plant in the United States. Rapidly expanding despite the economic downturn, the company, founded in Quebec more than 50 years ago, has equipped itself with modern facilities located in Rock Hill, South Carolina, bringing the total number of its factories to four, including ones in Saint-Romuald and Sherbrooke, Quebec and Leduc, Alberta. Supermetal expects to hire around 200 workers over the next few years in addition to its current workforce. The price of the acquisition was not disclosed.

"The addition of a fabrication plant in the United States is a major coup for Supermetal. From now on we can include American content in our bids for government contracts. We will also be better equipped to serve the southern part of the continent and to protect ourselves from variations in the exchange rate," said Jean-François Blouin, President and General Manager of Supermetal. "Along with our enviable reputation and established position in North America, this addition will reinforce our competitiveness and speed our growth over the coming years."The factory Supermetal acquired was sold by Worthington Industries, a public multinational that produces steel parts for the automotive, construction, and aerospace industries. Built in 1974, the factory spans 160,000 square feet on a 38-acre lot. It provides the capacity for 50-tonne lifting capacity as well as railway service."Supermetal has always succeeded by targeting growing markets. When we started, we grew by penetrating the Quebec market, then expanding to New England and western Canada. Today, we have our eyes on the southern and central U.S. These regions offer excellent growth potential, hence this strategic acquisition, which will help us seize the best business opportunities," Blouin emphasized.An established Canadian manufacturer in North America, Supermetal Structures is renown for the quality of its service, its culture of teamwork and its excellent labour relations. The Saint-Romuald-based company has more than 450 employees and specializes in the manufacture and installation of structural steel intended for commercial or industrial buildings. www.supermetal.com