ArcelorMittal Tailored Blanks creates innovative clean-tech solutions

  • Recipient: ArcelorMittal Tailored Blanks (AMTB)
  • Region: Woodstock, Ontario
  • Program: Advanced Manufacturing Fund
  • Total funding allocated: $12.73 million
ArcelorMittal Tailored Blanks creates in-demand steel blanks that are essential to the automotive industry.

FedDev Ontario enabled us to develop new technology, including a state-of-the-art testing lab for our hot stamping components.

Gary Black,
Director of Manufacturing Technology at ArcelorMittal Tailored Blanks

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An important process in any company is its evolution. ArcelorMittal Tailored Blanks (AMTB) has gone through an impressive transformation over the decades since its beginning, from an independent laser welding company to a leader in the international hot stamping market. The company evolved with a purpose in mind—to create the most durable light-weight steel that would meet the demands of a variety of sectors. To address this need, AMTB began producing tailor welded blanks – a steel product made by combining two or more pieces of steel in a welding process to create a tailor-made part. This item quickly became an in-demand product for manufacturing companies, especially in the automotive sector.

Automotive companies currently face two challenges when it comes to vehicle production: the first is emissions reduction and the second is safety through crash protection. With an investment of $12.73 million through FedDev Ontario's Advanced Manufacturing Fund, AMTB was able to build a new facility to increase production using the company's first-in-the-world technology and also deliver innovative solutions that enhance its competitiveness.

"FedDev Ontario's support covered half of the cost of a brand new facility in Woodstock," says Gary Black, Director of Manufacturing Technology at AMTB. "This money enabled us to open a new plant with state-of-the-art manufacturing technology, which positioned us to easily expand and supply components to all major manufacturers in southern Ontario and the U.S."

AMTB's innovative technology not only provides the perfect material for efficient vehicle production and clean-tech promotion, but it also positions the company as a positive trendsetter in the welding industry.

"Our company continues to lead the way in the welded hot stamping market and is expecting to experience some significant growth over the next two years because of the overwhelming OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) interest in our technology and capability," says Black.

With the goal to "transform tomorrow," AMTB is right on track. Its innovative technology won the 2017 American Metal Market Award for Best Innovation: Product. The company has also created 45 new jobs since the Woodstock plant construction, which is the newest of its 10 locations.

"Our growth and expansion is helping the economy by providing steady and dependable jobs," says Black. "Our contribution to the auto industry is all about making vehicles lighter, safer and more fuel efficient."

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