London copper plant defies U.S. tariff threat with big expansion

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A London plant making copper products, which recently broke ground on a major expansion, has vowed to take the threat of U.S. tariffs “head-on,” said the leader of a local manufacturing group.

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Great Lakes Copper, Canada’s lone copper milling plant making products out of the metal, recently announced a 90,000-square-foot expansion to its Clarke Road facility, the installation of cutting-edge machinery and even the moving of its warehouse operations to St. Thomas, refusing to let tariff threats slow its investment.

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“They’re concerned about tariffs but they said they will take the challenge head-on and get through this,” said Jason Bates, manager of the London Region Manufacturing Council.

“Tariffs are a moment in time. They’re thinking long-term and by the time the expansion is done, they may not be there.”

The London plant employs about 400 workers.

But a cloud hangs over the sector after the U.S. imposed 50 per cent tariffs on imported copper products starting Aug. 1. Great Lakes Copper sells a “significant amount” of its local production south of the border, said Kapil Lakhotia, chief executive of the London Economic Development Corp.

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It’s not yet known what the impact of the tariffs will be on the London operation but plant officials are hoping to meet with government officials to make their case, he added.

“There is uncertainty in this climate not just because of tariffs but because of the trade relationship with the U.S. It’s great to see this investment and expansion, but we’re mindful of the significant pressure right now,” Lakhotia said.

“We will assist the company any way we can. We’re bringing this to the attention of both levels of government.”

Great Lakes Copper officials could not be reached for comment.

Formerly known as Wolverine Tube, the plant has been in business since 1958. It produces copper tubing for plumbing, home heating, cooling systems, medical infrastructure, oil and gas and industrial applications, the company said in a statement.

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“This milestone will enhance production efficiency, reduce intra-city transport, and strengthen the long-term sustainability of manufacturing operations in London,” the company said in an announcement on the expansion.

The expansion is expected to be completed in 2027.

In 2023, exports of copper and copper-based products were valued at more than $9 billion, with more than half going to the United States, according to a report by Unifor, the national union.

U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff threat is particularly acute in London: In 2023, more than 700 businesses in the city exported about $7.8 billion worth of goods to the United States, mostly in automotive and manufacturing but also in food and agriculture, Statistics Canada figures show.

ndebono@postmedia.com

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