SEPT/OCT 2014
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centres – one in Hamilton, ON and another
in Medicine Hat, AB – distribute close to 90
percent of their products throughout Canada
with the remaining shipped to the U.S. The
foundry operations provide 500 Canadian jobs
and being able to keep those team members
employed is a priority.
“Bibby-Ste-Croix right now is one of the few
foundries left in Canada that produces cast
iron products. Most of the foundry industry
has transferred over to either India or China
but Bibby has been able to stay successful,”
Leonard explained. “In 1997 when we came
to Canada, there were seven other foundries
producing the exact product we do and now
we’re the only one left producing cast iron
drain pipe and we’re the only foundry left pro-
ducing solely ‘Gray Iron’ manhole frames and
covers and valve boxes. So I guess our biggest
milestone is being able to stay alive.”
Competing against countries with produc-
tion costs much lower than North America
can make it difficult, if not impossible, to stay
afloat.
“Manufacturing is in trouble in Canada.
