Ipsco to expand tubular steel operations

Ipsco to expand tubular steel operations

Canadian steelmaker Ipsco Inc. will proceed with plans to expand tubular steel operations. Ipsco said Thursday it will boost oilpatch tubular goods capacity at its Calgary plant and increase the casing product range at both its Calgary and Regina plants. According to Ipsco’s news release, annual capacity of the Calgary heat treat facility will increase by more than 70 percent. Product range improvements will include wider-diameter pipelines. Ipsco expects to complete modifications in the fourth quarter, with full production starting in the first quarter of 2006. "The improvements are designed to position Ipsco for further growth in energy tubular product markets by taking advantage of the increased North American demand for high grade heat treated products," said senior vice-president Joe Russo. Ipsco Inc. operates steel mills at three locations and pipe mills at six locations in Canada and the United States.