Timminco Metals, formerly Chromasco Limited, formerly Dominion Magnesium - a magnesium mine established in the 30's (I think) is coming down!
As we drove by the mine last night, we noticed that the demolition of one of the larger buildings has started. This is just another example of Canada's (North America's) manufacturing going off shore. Cheaper to import inferior grade magnesium than mine it here. hmmmm....
When we moved to Haley Station in 1986 there must have been 350+ people working there - I worked in the offices myself for several years before going to Timminco's Pembroke plant (long gone as well - same story - cheaper to import inferior strontium from China) In the 90's both these plants were thriving - and millions spent in upgrades and research.
These plants exported high-quality magnesium & strontium alloys all over the world with offices in the States, Europe, Australia & Japan. This was a well respected and dynamic business. For more information and to rejuvinate a little bit of Canadian pride, google the Pidgeon Process and see what you get....
By the late 90's the writing was on the wall and by 2005 there were only half a dozen employees left.
Well, it's a sign of the times - as long as we continue to purchase cheap crap from overseas, we will continue to see our own Canadian plants disappear
I think the saddest thing is that this isn't even worthy of a note in the local paper - I have yet to see any of our local newspapers write so much as a column about it.
Okay, I'm done - I'm climbing off my soap box now - I just thought that someone, SOMEWHERE should make note of this event.
yup, another one quietly bites the dust....
Note taken... but from the ashes comes rebirth. Thanks for taking the time to write.
ReplyDeleteI'm thankful you wrote this. I've been searching for just a little history about the area. (Specifically Rose Mineview and Timminco) Your 'note' helped fill in some blanks. So thank you so much for this article!
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