TPI September 2024

Business & market news

Zekelman to create 91 jobs with Alabama steel pipe projects US commerce secretary Ellen McNair has announced that Zekelman Industries plans to invest more than $6mn to expand steel tube production at its facility in Jefferson County in the US creating a combined 91 jobs. will invest nearly $2.3mn to upgrade the manufacturing capabilities and production capacity at its existing Atlas Tube facility and in the process create 33 jobs over a three-year period. Zekelman will invest an additional $3.9mn to equip an existing warehouse to a new Wheatland Tube facility in Birmingham, Alabama where it will perform finishing processes on torque tubes produced by Atlas. This project will create 58 jobs over the same three-year period. “Not only are these Zekelman operating companies creating jobs in Jefferson County, but they will also be working together to serve the solar industry and advance the ongoing national green energy transition,” said Ms McNair. “Zekelman is a first-class manufacturer, and we’re happy to see them expand in Alabama.” Chicago-based Zekelman

Zekelman is North America’s largest independent manufacturer of steel pipe and hollow structural sections

Once the growth projects are complete, the Zekelman companies will work in tandem to produce steel tubes used by the solar industry. At the Atlas facility, workers will fabricate specialised steel tubing to be used in solar arrays. The product will then be transported to the Wheatland facility, where teammates will complete various processing and finishing steps, before delivering the finished torque tubes to customers. The Birmingham Business Alliance, which worked with the Alabama Department of Commerce to support the projects, estimated they will have a combined economic impact of $20.8mn over 20 years. “I’m excited to see this project moving forward,” said Jeff Traywick, economic development advisor for the Jefferson County Commission. “It’s a great mix of renewable energy equipment production, good job creation and existing industry growth. The county looks forward to seeing this project come to fruition and are proud to have supported the project.” Cornell Wesley, director of the City of Birmingham’s department of innovation and economic opportunity, said: “Zekelman’s production of steel and pipe and hollow products serves as the cornerstone of Birmingham’s historical and enduring status as a prominent player in the steel industry. This industry has the potential to regain its former strength and contribute significantly to the city’s economic growth.”

Zekelman is North America’s largest independent manufacturer of steel pipe and hollow structural sections and a producer of electrical conduit and elbows, couplings and nipples. Its eight companies serve construction and manufacturing customers with structural steel, pipe and modular building solutions. “We’re excited to continue our growth with the community of Birmingham and the surrounding areas,” said Tom Muth, executive vice-president and COO, Zekelman Industries. “We continue to meet with dynamic people as we build this team, and our local partners are helping us transform a warehouse into a steel tube production and fabrication facility. Together, we have built a factory where teammates can expand and grow their careers while supporting their families.”

TechnipFMC awarded flexible pipe contract by Petrobras

of the trust we have built with them over many decades. With this award, we will utilise our global manufacturing capabilities to assist with the continued development of pre-salt reserves.” For TechnipFMC, a substantial contract is between $250mn and $500mn. This award was included in inbound orders in the second quarter of 2024. TechnipFMC www.technipfmc.com

TechnipFMC has been awarded a substantial contract by Petrobras to supply flexible pipe for the pre-salt fields offshore Brazil, following completion of a tender. The contract covers the design, engineering and manufacture of flexible pipe for water injection and gas lift. Jonathan Landes, president, subsea at TechnipFMC, said: “One of our core technologies will once again support Petrobras’s ambitions and we are proud

Zekelman Industries www.zekelman.com

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TUBE PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL September 2024

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