Due to tariffs totaling 50 per cent on Canadian-made steel being imported into the United States which took effect on Tuesday, March 11, around 47 employees at Ivaco Rolling Mills in L’Orignal are being laid off permanently.
The affected employees at the steel mill, which manufactures wire rod steel and billets represent one third of the 140 employees being laid off by Canada Metal Processing Group (MPG) of the Heico Companies, the parent company of Ivaco, and its other subsidiaries Infasco and Sivaco in Marieville, Québec.
“Permanent layoffs are 140 employees for the entire organization with about a third for Ivaco Rolling Mills,” said MPG Director of Marketing and Business Development, Frederic Perron.
However, up to 150 Ivaco employees are on furlough as the company adjusts to drastic changes in the market for Canadian-made steel, following the unjustified introduction of the tariffs by the Trump administration.
“These are not permanent layoffs, only furlough,” Perron said.
He said adjustments are being made to the operations at Ivaco.
“We are reducing the production for one week at the plant to adjust to demand but these workers are still employed with the company.”
Perron said further temporary layoffs are expected due to tariffs and fluctuating demand.
“Going forward we expect to have to adjust via weekly temporary layoffs as tariffs are deployed and demand reacts,” he said.
Meanwhile, one local business is showing its support for laid off and furloughed Ivaco employees.
The Hawkesbury location of Amir, a Laval-based chain of restaurants serving Lebanese cuisine, is offering a 25 per cent discount to Ivaco employees who have lost their jobs.
