Constuction on a $21 million hot dip galvanizing plant in North Bay is about 50 percent complete.
The company celebrated the various government investments, including $1.5 million from FedNor, $5 million from the province and a tax rebate and $70,000 in grants from the City of North Bay.
They poured the facility’s 35,000 square foot concrete floor today.

The federal cash is in the form of a repayable loan.

Company officials say growing the economy and creating jobs locally aren’t mere slogans but goals proven with assistance and support from all three levels of government.
The plant is expected to be operational by November and is expected to employ between 45-50 people. .
The facility will service Northern Ontario’s mining supply and service industry and support business opportunities throughout the province.
“Mining remains a big part of the Northern Ontario economy and, therefore, integral in Norgalv’ s strategy; however, hot dip galvanizing is required in many other sectors ranging from telecommunications, road infrastructure, agricultural, petroleum and power generation.” said Andre van Soelen, Managing Director of Norgalv Limited.
He says the city sold North Bay in an hour as a community that wants this development.
North Bay was competing against Sudbury and Sault Ste Marie.

“On behalf of the City of Noth Bay, I would like to thank Norgalv Limited for their confidence and investment in our community. This plant will create new employment, support local business, and create new business opportunities in our city.” said Mayor Al McDonald.
He says having Andre speaks highly of North Bay to his company in South Africa was a major endorsement in getting the plant.
“This is a strategic new business for North Bay, an important expansion for the north, and a great investment in Ontario,” said MPP Vic Fedeli.
“Norgalv’s show of confidence is further proof that the North Bay area is an attractive location for advanced manufacturers to invest and grow.” said Nipissing-Timiskaming MP Anthony Rota.
“Our government is committed to supporting the creation of new jobs and growth throughout the region.” said Nickel Belt MP Marc Serré.
Designed by industry-leading specialists from Austria and Germany, the facility will be a semi-automated, single-line, hot-dipped galvanizing plant, with an 8m x 1.4m x 3.5m “kettle” and all other supplementary equipment required.

(photo by station staff)

Filed under: mayor-al-mcdonald, mp-anthony-rota, norgalv-limited, vic-fedeli