China Steel Inc. has received $741,500 from the provincial government through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) in order to purchase equipment that co-owner and vice-president Carlo China says will help the steel manufacturer diversify its operations and increase efficiency.
“In today’s world we have to be more competitive, and the customer, they’re always looking for a better price,” China told reporters following Friday's announcement, which saw Sault Ste. Marie MPP Ross Romano go on a whirlwind tour of China Steel's operations. “That’s where we’re moving, and if you don’t move with technology, well then you better get out of business.”
Eight new full-time jobs will also be created as a result of the funding from the provincial government.
“We want to create more jobs, we want to make sure that we enhance our marketplace," said Romano. "We want to make sure that we grow our competitive advantages here in the Sault, and throughout northern Ontario - and that’s what this investment will help us do.”
China Steel Inc. was established in Sault Ste. Marie in 1963.