Aug 26 2005
IPSCO announced today an expansion to the current oil country tubular goods (OCTG) heat treat capacity at its Calgary, Alberta plant. In addition, the Company announced the increase of its casing product range through modifications to tubular operations at both the Calgary and Regina, Saskatchewan pipe mills.
Overall capacity of the Calgary heat treat facility will be increased by more than 70% annually. The expansion in heat treat capacity will begin immediately and is expected to be fully implemented before year-end.
The product range improvements will enhance the production of casing from the current 4-1/2" to 9-5/8" diameters to include additional diameters from 10-3/4" through 13-3/8" in high collapse, N, L, P and Q grades as well as IPSCO proprietary grades. The enhancements will also include equipment and process modifications to enable production of heat treated tubing in 2-3/8" through 3-1/2" diameters. The necessary equipment and process modifications to expand the product range are expected to be complete in the fourth quarter of 2005 with full production expected in the first quarter of 2006.
The cost of expanding the OCTG heat treat capacity and expanding the casing product range are included in the previously disclosed 2005 capital expenditure forecast of approximately $100 million.
"The improvements are designed to position IPSCO for further growth in energy tubular product markets by taking advantage of the increased North American demand for high grade heat treated products," said Joe Russo, Senior Vice President of the Company. "In addition, we are recognized across North America for our experience and dependability due to our proven track record within the energy tubulars industry. We believe these improvements will better serve our customers through expanded product options," noted Russo.