$25,000 Investment Helps Whitby Manufacturer Cut Energy Use and Costs
North American Steel receives Whitby and Enbridge Gas Ontario grant to improve efficiency at its Whitby facility.
The Town of Whitby and Enbridge Gas Ontario are proud to award a $25,000 grant to longtime Whitby manufacturer North American Steel to help it reduce natural gas use, lower operating costs, and improve efficiency at its local facility.
North American Steel is the inaugural winner of the Town’s first Industrial Energy Challenge - a pilot program designed to support practical projects that help local industrial businesses reduce natural gas use while improving efficiency and competitiveness.
North American Steel manufactures steel racking systems at its Whitby facility. As part of that process, racks are powder coated and placed in large industrial ovens to dry and cure the finish. Together, the drying and curing process accounts for approximately 90 per cent of the company’s natural gas use.
Through the grant funding, North American Steel will install air curtains at the entrance and exit of its dry-off oven. The air curtains will help keep heat inside the oven and remove excess water from the steel before it enters, reducing the amount of natural gas used by up to about seven per cent each year.
Quick Facts
- North American Steel has operated in Whitby since 1972 and manufactures steel racking systems at its local facility.
- The winning project is expected to be completed in early-2027.
- The Industrial Energy Challenge supports implementation of Whitby's Climate Emergency Response Plan and net-zero emissions target for 2045. The program also supports Invest Whitby's Economic Development Strategy by encouraging innovation, resilience, and sustainable economic growth.
Quotes
“This is the kind of investment that delivers benefits on several fronts. It helps a local business reduce costs and become more efficient, while also supporting our broader goals for a strong economy and a more sustainable Whitby. Thank you to Enbridge Gas for partnering with us on this initiative, and to North American Steel for continuing to invest, innovate and grow here in Whitby."
- Elizabeth Roy, Mayor, Town of Whitby
"The Industrial Energy Challenge showcases the power of collaboration in creating practical energy solutions that benefit both businesses and communities. We're proud to partner with the Town of Whitby to support North American Steel's project, which will improve energy efficiency and strengthen operational performance. By investing in innovative projects like this, we're helping local businesses reduce costs, enhance competitiveness and contribute to a more sustainable future."
- Val Picher, Director of Municipal and Stakeholder Engagement, Enbridge Gas Ontario
“North American Steel is a proud member of the Whitby Business Community and we are honored to receive this award. We appreciate the support of the town and companies such as Enbridge Gas that are willing to support local businesses in their efforts to innovate and grow in a sustainable way.”
- Stosh Fabricius, VP of Corporate Development, North American Steel
More Information
Learn more about the Town’s sustainability efforts at whitby.ca/Sustainability.
For media inquiries please contact:
Erin Mikaluk, Manager, Communications and Creative Services, Town of Whitby
Phone: 289.314.6913; Email: mikaluke@whitby.ca
Lesley Hunter, External Communications and Media Relations, Enbridge Gas Ontario
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