Regina – The downturn in the oilpatch has directly affected steel-making workers in Regina.
On May 15 EVRAZ Regina provided the following statement to Pipeline News. Melodie Ruse, EVRAZ spokewoman, said, “EVRAZ Regina announced a temporary layoff effective May 17 of 40 to 50 employees in our steelmaking operations in order to align crew levels with production activity, which is currently lower due to reduced steel demand associated with substantially lower oil drilling activity. We are constantly monitoring the oil market and will bring these employees back to work as soon as possible. In addition, the laid off employees are considered for open positions across the Regina operations.
“The investment we recently announced to install a new two-step large diameter pipe mill and make related upgrades to our steelmaking operation and rolling mill is moving forward. Demand for large diameter pipe used for energy (oil and gas) distribution remains strong.”
Formerly IPSCO, EVRAZ Regina’s mills on the north end of the city have produced both mainline pipe and oil country tubular goods for decades. The recent $200 million investment in large-diameter pipe-making capability was announced in step with planned major pipeline projects in the coming years. This was highlighted by the presence of Enbridge president and CEO Al Monaco at the recent announcement of the mill expansion.
