Tuesday, September 7th, 2010
THUNDER BAY – The Thunder Bay Metal Fabricators Association (TBMFA) are holding an information meeting for local metal trades, and related design, and supply companies to learn more about the association and be offered a chance to be part of the group as associate members.
The meeting will be held at 3:00pm July 15 at the Oliver Road Community centre.
The Thunder Bay Metal Fabricators Association (TBMFA) are the second phase of the original Thunder Bay Oil Sands Consortium (TBOSC) which was formed in 2007 when over 20 highly skilled metal trade companies located in Thunder Bay, Ontario joined forces to market their services to Western Canada.
Now the TBMFA is a Non-for-Profit Association built on the original concept and incorporating what was learned in phase 1.
The TBMFA are headed up by leading companies in each metal fabrication discipline; Pipe & module fabrication, Structural Steel, Machine Shop Services, HVAC, Specialty metals and fabrications.
The TBMFA represents over 800 highly skilled, knowledgeable, safe and productive trades people. Together, we have more than 100,000 square feet of fully equipped state-of-the-art shops and facilities.
Working cooperatively is second nature to the recognized and respected companies that make up the TBMFA. Some of our companies have been doing business for as many as two generations. With vast experience in heavy industrial construction, our companies exceed the qualifications and safety requirements to successfully complete the most complex projects.
“The overall Goal of the Association is to provide support to Thunder Bay companies to leverage new business through identifying new clients and opportunities in Western Canada,” shares John Jurcik, the Chairman of the TBMFA.
This association and in particular it;s members are making a positive contribution toward the diversification of our economy. They among others sectors in our community are likely responsible for the second lowest unemployment rate in the COUNTRY. The Alberta Oil Sands development is a one the largest customers, if not the largest of a number of the members of the MFA although not the only one. It’s unfortunate that our two MP’s are continually dissing this major contributor of jobs in Alberta and elsewhere including Thunder Bay and a major contributor of tax revenue for the Federal Government.They have also called upon the Government to end it’s support of this sector. Again with friends like that who needs enemies.
Thunder Bay might have the second lowest unemployment rate in the country, but our participation and employment rates are also low. It’s unfortunate that we’ve been programmed to ignore the latter two.
Barely more than 61% of our working age population is taking part in the work force.
http://www40.statcan.gc.ca/l01/cst01/lfss03g-eng.htm