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Nova Steel Weighs Delta Expansion as Tariffs Reshape Cross-Border Trade
Nova Steel is considering two expansion projects at its Delta operation, potentially adding up to 50 jobs, even as tariffs have sharply reduced cross-border transactions between its U.S. and Canadian businesses.
By Paul Ploumis
Published October 16, 2026
Key Points
- Nova Steel is considering two expansion projects at its Delta operation, including additional warehouse space.
- The Fulton County operation currently supports 183 skilled manufacturing jobs.
- The proposed expansion could add up to 50 more jobs.
- CEO Scott Jones said cross-border transactions have largely disappeared as tariffs changed trade flows between the U.S. and Canada.
- Investment decisions on the proposed projects are expected by the end of 2028.
SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Nova Steel is considering further expansion at its Delta operation as the North American steel processor adjusts to tariff-driven changes in cross-border trade between the United States and Canada.
The facility currently supports 183 skilled manufacturing jobs in Fulton County, with up to 50 additional positions possible if the proposed expansion projects move forward.
Tariffs Reshape Cross-Border Steel Business
Nova Steel operates on both sides of the U.S.-Canada border. CEO Scott Jones said the company has adapted its operations as tariffs have changed longstanding trade patterns, although a significant part of its cross-border business has largely disappeared.
“So the cross-border transactions, which is a big, big part of my career, has disappeared for now,” Jones said.
Despite the disruption to cross-border transactions, Jones said he views tariff protections as necessary for North American manufacturers competing with Chinese steel producers.
“And if we’re going to compete against Chinese steel, both in Canada and the United States, we would have no chance,” Jones said.
U.S.-Canada Trade Tensions Draw Concern
U.S. Representative Marcy Kaptur toured the plant and said American steel production needs to expand. She also raised concerns about the impact of continuing trade disputes between the United States and Canada.
“And we need to stop this kind of trade back-and-forth conflict, because it didn’t exist before between our two countries,” Kaptur said.
Nova Steel Considers Two Expansion Projects
Against that trade backdrop, Nova Steel is considering two expansion projects at the Delta operation, including additional warehouse space.
Jones said the company is evaluating where to direct its investment, with decisions on the proposed projects expected by the end of 2028.
The Delta operation currently supports 183 skilled manufacturing jobs in Fulton County. Nova Steel said the proposed expansion could increase employment at the facility by up to 50 additional positions.
Courtesy: www.13abc.com
