Heidtman Steel Products, Inc., a Toledo-based processor of flat-rolled steel, is expanding its operations in Bedford Township and the city of Monroe to create a new steel tubing operation that is expected to create 65 jobs when finished.
Heidtman, which has nine steel processing facilities in four Great Lakes states, is backing a new business venture, TNT Pipe and Tube, LLC. Together they will supply tube steel products for a recreational vehicle customer in Indiana.
The project will create a state-of-the-art steel tube milling facility on Heidtman’s existing Erie, Mich., campus where it operates a flat-rolled steel processing plant. Plans also call for a steel galvanizing operation in Monroe to get upgrades.
Altogether, a total of $9.1 million will be invested in building the tubing plant and the Monroe plant upgrades, according to the Monroe County Business Development Corp, which is supplying a $325,000 Michigan Business Development Program grant from the Michigan Strategic Fund.
Heidtman chose the Michigan site over a competing site in Indiana. Bedford Township offered a 50 percent property tax abatement in support of the project.
“Heidtman Steel has been a part of the Erie, Mich. community for over sixty years. We are excited to team up with a premiere tubing company in TNT. Together we will continue to serve the pipe and tube and flat-rolled steel-consuming industries the highest quality products available anywhere,” Heidtman President and CEO Tim Berra, said. “Operating a value-added mill at our most established veteran-run campus, is a natural extension of our business. We are confident this will be a highly successful long-standing operation powered by the outstanding workmanship of Michigan’s finest people for many years to come.”
Heidtman Steel, founded in 1954 and owned by the John Bates family, processes, packages, and distributes flat-rolled steel products across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
“John Bates and his company Heidtman Steel are an asset to our community. This addition to his company will bring much-needed economic development and jobs to our community,” Bedford Township Supervisor Paul Pirrone, said. “I appreciate the collaboration and the work from all parties involved. This is excellent news.”
Michigan State Sen. Dale Zorn (R., Ida), said the expansion comes at a time when Monroe County could use an economic boost.
“This is great news during a tough time,” he said. “The added jobs and investment will be a real shot in the arm for Monroe, Bedford Township, and surrounding communities. I applaud Heidtman for its long-standing commitment to our part of the state and thank the (Michigan Strategic Fund) for its trust and support.”
First Published June 30, 2020, 1:00 p.m.