Steel industry in Welland at a turning point, says Mayor Frank Campion

In 1963, Rio Algom Ltd. purchased the company and operated under that banner until 1985, when the factory became a standalone company, Atlas Specialty Steels.

Atlas and its assets were sold to Slater Steel in 2000, then closed in 2003.

In 2010, ASW Steel Inc. emerged as a new entity possessing virtually all assets previously held by MMFX Steel of Canada, a company that took over operations at the site in 2006 until Ampco-Pittsburgh’s acquisition five years ago.

Italian-based steel manufacturer Valbruna purchased ASW in 2019.

Like many Wellanders, Campion had a connection with Atlas. His father was an advertising manager in the 1960s, and he did work for the company through his marketing business.

“So many people in Welland worked there or had dealings with the company and its suppliers.”

Campion said when the company was sold in 2000, he was concerned venture capitalists would piece out the factory, selling off what it could and gut the facility.

While some of that did take place, the melt shop remained and continued to be used.

With the recent federal investment, Campion believes the company will continue to grow.

That growth will help businesses across Niagara that both feed and use steel made in Welland.

On the east side of Valbruna ASW is SLM Recycling, which is fed its scrapped steel.

Some of the steel produced at the company, after further processing, comes back to Kit Steel, which is building a rebar-making facility in Welland off River Road. The new facility sits just west of Valbruna ASW.

Campion hopes companies that supply and process steel from the company will move closer to Welland and create jobs.

“They can create more spinoff jobs and build the economy in the community.”