Steel Product Producers

Canadian wire maker blames tariffs and demand for layoffs

Written by Laura Miller

February 25, 2025

Canada Metal Processing Group (MPG Canada) has announced layoffs, citing declining demand and the looming threat of US tariffs.

MPG Canada is implementing cost savings actions, including pausing or canceling projects and laying off 140 production and office employees across its facilities in Ontario and Quebec.

MPG Canada operates three businesses: Ivaco Rolling Mills, a wire rod mini-mill in L’Orignal, Ontario; steel wire manufacturer Sivaco, and steel fastener manufacturer Infasco. Both Sivaco and Infasco have operations in Ontario and Quebec.

Citing anticipated declines in demand and production directly related to the tariff and trade uncertainty, the company said these actions are necessary.

“These measures will help maintain the majority of MPG Canada’s footprint and workforce while reacting to the impact that these threats are already having on the company’s demand for its products destined directly and indirectly, via our Canadian customers, to U.S. customers,” it said in a statement.

The tariff threat has combined with a soft market, weak demand, and increasing unfair trade and is “having serious impacts on the demand for MPG Canada products.”

MPG Canada President Matt Walker stressed the need for government action.

“The Canadian government must be prepared to react quickly to safeguard the long-term viability of Canadian steel product manufacturers, and the collective job security of our employees,” he said.

Laura Miller

Laura Miller is a reporter and editor for Steel Market Update. She has held a variety of positions within the steel industry since 2007, including reporting and editing for Steel Business Briefing/Platts, the Association for Iron and Steel Technology, and Kallanish Commodities, as well as marketing for what was then known as ThyssenKrupp Steel USA (now AM/NS Calvert). After a five-year hiatus working across other industries, she returned to steel in 2021 and has covered the flat rolled, tubular, and trade areas of the industry. She is a member of the Association of Women in the Metal Industries and a past-president of the AWMI Pittsburgh Chapter. She holds a BA in Latin American Studies from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. She can be reached at laura@steelmarketupdate.com or 724-759-7869.

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