Structal-Bridges, a division of Canam Steel Corp., is near completion on a significant expansion and modernization project of its local plant, which is specialized in the fabrication of bridge components. The project to add 68,673 s/f, for a total of 248,650 s/f, in order to increase annual production capacity from 12,500 to 25,000 tons is slated for completion during the second quarter of 2011. With rail access, lifting equipment capable of handling 100-ton components, a new 40,000 s/f paint facility and more efficient and modern offices, the plant will now be equipped to take on bigger and more complex projects.
In July 2007, Canam Steel acquired Eastern Bridge, a structural steel bridge fabricator. Now called Structal-Bridges, its manufacturing activities were merged with those of its Canadian counterpart in order to allow the business unit to grow its presence on the U.S. bridge market.
"With the use of products and highly skilled people from many divisions of Canam, our state of the art bridge fabrication facility is almost complete," said Bob Petrino, manager of the Claremont plant. "The Claremont facility is proof of Canam's commitment to investing in people, equipment, and communities. Building bridges in the US market requires a workforce of dedicated and productive people to be successful. We have begun comprehensive training programs for our employees to improve quality and on time performance. We are teaching skills that will allow them to build careers," he added.
"Our investment in fabrication technology includes precision plate cutting machines operated under computer control. Gantry welders are designed to our specifications for welding thin plate steel used on orthotropic decking. A modern coating facility is capable of applying everything from paint to molten metal that is sprayed onto the steel.
"Claremont is a small city of 13,000 people located in central N.H. Canam's investment has provided good paying jobs and opportunities for many in the region. We have partnered with the state and local community college to recruit and train our workforce. This area is known for a strong work ethic and Yankee ingenuity, anyone is welcome to join us," said Petrino.