Buffalo Business reported that having secured the 45 acres it needs for its Lackawanna plant, officials from Canadian based Welded Tube expect to start construction on their facility inside the former Bethlehem Steel plant complex.

Welded Tube, based in the Toronto suburb of Concord, has been working with local representatives on the CAD 50 million project that will eventually see 173,000 square feet of manufacturing space developed along the Hamburg Turnpike property. The plant will be developed in three phases, with the first including a 109,000 square foot building followed by subsequent phases of 34,000 square feet and 30,000 square feet.

Welded Tube expects to employ as many as 121 people when the plant is fully developed. The final piece before construction can begin was acquiring the land.

According to documents filed in the Erie County Clerk's office, Tecumsheh Redevelopment Inc sold the 45 acre parcel to a local investment group, KB Business Park Redevelopment LLC for CAD 316,050 and KB Redevelopment sold the property to Welded Tube USA Realty LLC for CAD 812,700.

Welded Tube produces steel piping equipment used in a number of industries. The company has more than 600 workers in its five Canadian plants.

Welded Tube has been working with local officials including the Buffalo Niagara Enterprise, Erie County Industrial Development Agency, Empire State Development Corporation and Erie County Executive Mr Mark Poloncarz on the projects.

Mr Barry Sonshine executive chairman of Welded Tube USA Inc said that "We see great potential for our product in the U.S. market and a great opportunity to develop that potential in the Buffalo Niagara region."

Source - Buffalo Business

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