Dartmouth-based manufacturing company to increase productivity, capacity to capitalize on growth opportunities

“To grow the Atlantic economy, more businesses must implement advanced manufacturing technologies. This is why the Government of Canada is supporting companies like RKO Steel Limited that are embracing technologically-advanced manufacturing to increase productivity and competitiveness and to spur economic growth in their communities.”

-       The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA 

“Dartmouth's RKO Steel has a well-deserved reputation as a world-class steel fabricator that is committed to finding new and better ways to do business. Our Government believes in Atlantic Canada, and we believe in making smart investments in Atlantic Canadian companies like RKO Steel. This investment will help them scale-up and increase productivity, so they can continue to drive economic growth and create well-paying jobs for Canadians.”

-     Darren Fisher, Member of Parliament for Dartmouth – Cole Harbour 

“This investment from ACOA helps RKO to continue advancing with innovative manufacturing as we head into the Smart Manufacturing revolution, and allows us to continually grow our staff organically and bring on more of our great Nova Scotia workers. We truly appreciate the support from ACOA.”

-       Stewart Clark, Vice-President of Marketing and Sales, RKO Steel Limited 

• The Government of Canada invested $675,000 in this project through the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program. 

• RKO Steel Limited was incorporated on March 22, 1983 and is located in the Burnside Industrial Park in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. The company fabricates and erects structural steel and various metals for the oil and gas as well as the construction and shipbuilding/ocean industries in primary markets in Canada, the Eastern United States and Europe. 

• RKO Steel Limited, a past winner of the North American Steel Fabricator of the Year Award, currently employs 119 people. 

• The company is seeking to increase its production of components for the Arctic/Offshore Patrol Ships (AOPS) Program. 

• The Business Scale-up and Productivity stream of the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation program supports businesses at various stages of development. This includes helping high-growth firms accelerate their growth, scale up and enhance their productivity and competitiveness in both domestic and global markets. 

• The Regional Economic Growth through Innovation program continues to build on the objectives of the Government of Canada’s Innovation and Skills Plan.

• The manufacturing industry is an important contributor to Atlantic Canada’s economy. In 2016, the industry employed more than 78,000 people in the region, while producing goods and services valued at $7.2 billion. 

Associated links

• Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI)
• Atlantic Growth Strategy

Chris Brooks
Director, Communications and Outreach
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-426-9417 / 902-830-3839 (cell)
chris.brooks@canada.ca

Tom Skinner
Vice-President, Finance
RKO Steel Limited
902-468-1322 Ext. 246
toms@rkosteel.com