Nelson Architects is designing the new ADF International, Inc. state-of-the art steel manufacturing plant coming soon to Great Falls. This 100,000 square-foot facility will feature primarily manufacturing space, with additional office areas for administration.

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As posted in the Fairfield Sun Times, November 6, 2012.

Canadian Firm To Locate Fabrication Facility In Great Falls

Terrebonne, Quebec — ADF GROUP INC. announced on Monday that the Corporation’s Board of Directors approved an estimated US$24 million plan to build a new 9,290 square meter (or 100,000 ft2) structural steel fabrication complex on an 100 acres industrial land located in Great Falls, in the State of Montana, U.S.A.

Under its U.S. subsidiary banner, ADF International Inc., the Corporation will be operating by the second half of 2013 its new fabrication plant which will be equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, similar to those at its Terrebonne fabrication plant. The annual fabrication capacity of this new plant is estimated at more than 25,000 tons.

Moreover, adjacent to its new facility, ADF will set-up a large structural steel fabrication and pre-assembly yard, which will provide an important competitive edge to rapidly and effectively serve new sectors and fast growing markets.

According to a story published Monday in the Great Falls Tribune, the plant will initially produce modules for the Alberta oil sands.

“Our expansion project has been very well received by Great Falls’ and Montana’s authorities. We are particularly pleased with the collaboration and support we received from local representatives toward the achievement of our investment project, which will contribute to the economic development of this beautiful region” said Mr. Jean Paschini, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer.

In addition to broadening its geographic footprint westward, this strategic investment will also give ADF access to the U.S. public infrastructures market segment.

“During the past months, we have studied many other sites to set-up a second plant, and we have chosen Great Falls in Montana for its strategic geographic location. Situated at 160 km from Alberta’s border, the City of Great Falls will allow ADF to pursue its development both in Canada and the United States. We are very excited and confident about this key investment for ADF Group’s future”, added Mr. Paschini.

“We are very proud and excited to have this world-class company choose Great Falls for its western expansion”, stated Mr. Brett Doney, President and CEO of Great Falls Development Authority. “Situated between Calgary and Salt Lake City, Great Falls is well positioned for the high growth regions of western Canada and the U.S. We are impressed with ADF’s vision and professionalism, and look forward to supporting the company’s long-term growth and success in Montana”.

“We are extremely excited with today’s announcement. Since our first communication, we’ve been nothing but impressed with ADF and their people. The process to get this done has required a lot of hard work on behalf of many; that said it’s also been a lot of fun to work together to make this a reality. ADF is truly a family-run company that is going to fit in and be a huge addition to the region of Great Falls and is going to provide a lot of really good jobs for hard working people. Making this happen is a testament to what we are capable of in Great Falls”, added Mr. Jeremiah Johnson, Vice President-Marketing of Great Falls Development Authority.

The work on the yard’s infrastructure and the ground breaking on the construction of the new facility are set for the spring of 2013. Other expansion phases at this new facility could be considered in future years, as demands grow.

Great Falls College Montana State University to Partner with ADF Group, Inc.

Monday afternoon, Great Falls College MSU announced the school is partnering with ADF Group, Inc. in its operations expansion to Great Falls. The College’s role in the partnership is to fill the local workforce needs of ADF Group by providing training for high-quality fitters and welders. A team from the college, Great Falls Public Schools, and the Great Falls Development Authority spent three days last week at ADF Group, Inc. to learn firsthand the knowledge and skills required for its employees.

Kyle Gillespie, Welding Program Director, will be working with the Canadian Welding Bureau to apply for certification of the college’s welding program and facilities. The welding program is also seeking accreditation by the American Welding Society. Gillespie and Brian Wergin will add curriculum content to the College’s current welding program to prepare students as metal fabricators or fitters. A fitter reads blueprints, assembles and tacks the parts of structural components destined to be used in the construction of buildings, bridges, towers, and other structures.

Students completing the college’s welding and fitting program will have the opportunity to earn transborder dual Canadian and United States certification. Gillespie describes working with ADF Group, Inc. as “An exciting marriage between a tremendous company and the superb trades programs we have here in Great Falls –education that span from our local high schools to here at the College.  Through this partnership we will enhance industry-focused training and local employment opportunities for local students, a win-win that will advance our community and college.”

ADF Group, Inc. is a heavy steel fabricator that requires precision work. The College will be actively engaged in providing pre-employment, entry-level and customized training for ADF Group. In addition to fitting and welding, there is a strong emphasis on safety, working from heights, and quality assurance and control.  “We are excited about the opportunity to partner with ADF and have been meeting with them to identify the skills they are looking for in their employees,” said Jeff Brown, Division Director for the Business and Trades Division. “Our current welding certificate program will meet many of their needs and we will be adding customized training on blueprint reading and other steel fabrication skills.”

Dr. Wolff, CEO/Dean of GFCMSU is especially proud and excited to be part of the community team that is bringing this company to Great Falls. “ADF Group, Inc. is an employer who will attract high skill workers from the region and bring home those who have had to leave the area for other employment opportunities,” said Wolff. “This is a company who will be part of the economic portfolio of Great Falls and a leader in diversifying opportunities. In a true public/private partnership, the company will be strong supporters of the college and community. Congratulations to the Great Falls Development Authority, the City, and County for their work.”  The faculty and staff at the college are looking forward to working with the local public school district in ensuring a smooth path between what students learn at the schools and the college program. The district has some unique courses and equipment that will be advantageous in the necessary knowledge and skills to be employed by ADF Group, Inc.