P.E.I. manufacturing company watching steel standoff closely

The steel tariffs have already been imposed by theUnited Statesbut a local steel manufacturing company is keeping its eyes on the Canadian response.

The federal government has announced a list of duties up to $16.6 billion in a dollar-for-dollar reaction, that could take effect on July 1st.

In the suggested list arecomponents thatMacDougallSteel Erectors (MSE) located in Borden-Carleton, P.E.I.,would use and that could impact theirbottom line.

"Puts us in a difficult position, makes us much less competitive and so we want the government to make sure they consider all things," said Ron MacDougall, owner of MacDougallSteel Erectors.

"I know it is a big picture that they are looking at.MacDougall Steel is sympathetic but also we will be hurt in those areas when Canada puts those tariffs against the United States."

MacDougallsaid their manufacturedproductswere not part of the recent 25 per cent tariff on imported steelannounced by the United States.

They mostly manufacture heavy structural steel and architectural metalsfor office buildings, industrialprojects in the oil sands, mines and skyscrapers.

• What is on Canada's tariff list? Read it here

The company employees more than 150 workers in itsBorden-Carleton facilities.

"Ourgoal is to be able to take on any sized project," MacDougall said.

They are planning to expand with more staffat a new facilitypreviously aMcCainfrench fry plant in Borden-Carleton andhave a number of in-house training programs to help develop the area's workforce.

"We are doing our best to train people but we need to grow," MacDougallsaid.

"Prince Edward Island has a young, wonderful, enthusiastic bunch of young men and women who want to use their skills and we are making sure there is a place for them to come."

The federal government is taking written statements from the public about the list of tariffs until June15th.

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