Area Development
Canatal Steel USA, a subsidiary of Canada-based Canatal Industries and a producer of steel structure fabrication, will invest $1.5 million to expand its manufacturing operation in Botetourt County, Virginia. The expansion project will create 38 new jobs.

“The Roanoke Valley is strategically located for our growing market and there is good quality labor for fabrication and assembly of structural steel,” said Canatal Industries president Ralph Poulin. “Also, transport costs are greatly reduced for our projects in DC, South Carolina and North Carolina, which will make Canatal more competitive in obtaining contracts.”

Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Botetourt County and the Roanoke Regional Partnership to secure the project, and will support Canatal’s new job creation through its Virginia Jobs Investment Program (VJIP).

VJIP provides consultative services and funding to companies creating new jobs or experiencing technological change to support employee training activities. As a business incentive supporting economic development, VJIP reduces the human resource costs of new and expanding companies. VJIP is state-funded, demonstrating Virginia’s commitment to enhancing job opportunities for its citizens.

“Canatal Steel USA's expansion is a great testament to Virginia's business environment and infrastructure that promotes the success of businesses of all sizes,” said Governor Terry McAuliffe. “The advanced manufacturing industry is booming across the Commonwealth, and the momentum continues to grow as we focus on strengthening this critical sector that creates jobs and skillsets of the 21st century. Canatal Steel's growth is evidence that small businesses can thrive in the Commonwealth as we continue to diversify and build a new Virginia economy.”

“Congratulations to Canatal Steel USA on the growth of its sole U.S. operation,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Todd Haymore. “Virginia is home to more nearly 6,000 manufacturers, and that number continues to grow with the resurgence of manufacturing in the U.S. and the Commonwealth’s efforts to expand this key industry. Botetourt County and Virginia have provided the right business climate and labor pool for success as Canatal Steel expands in the U.S. market, and we look forward to continuing to strengthen our corporate partnership.”