Canadian Composite Rebar Manufacturer Announces Major U.S. Expansion in North Carolina

Canadian Composite Rebar Manufacturer Announces Major U.S. E - Strategic U

Strategic U.S. Market Entry

Canadian construction materials manufacturer MST Rebar will establish its first American production facility in North Carolina, according to company announcements. The Toronto-based supplier of fiberglass reinforcement products plans to invest $15.5 million in a 56,000-square-foot manufacturing plant in Bladenboro, marking a significant expansion beyond its Canadian operations.

Manufacturing Capacity and Job Creation

The new facility is projected to have substantial production capabilities, with sources indicating it will be able to manufacture up to 75 miles of fiberglass rebar daily. The expansion is expected to create 83 new jobs in the Bladen County region, providing employment opportunities in manufacturing and technical positions. Analysts suggest this represents a strategic move to better serve the U.S. transportation infrastructure market.

Revolutionary Composite Material

MST, established in 2012, has developed what company officials describe as a first-of-its-kind fiberglass composite material specifically engineered for industrial construction applications. According to reports, the product offers significant advantages over traditional steel rebar, including corrosion resistance and reduced weight while maintaining superior strength characteristics.

“MST-BAR is a revolutionary industrial product,” MST President David Richardson stated in the company announcement. “It’s corrosion resistant, stronger than steel, lasts longer than the concrete it is reinforcing, a quarter the weight of steel, which offers less workplace injuries, and allows for shipping four times as much per truckload.”

Market Position and Applications

The company’s fiberglass rebar is particularly suited for transportation infrastructure projects, according to industry analysts. The material’s corrosion resistance makes it ideal for bridges, highways, and marine applications where salt and environmental factors typically degrade traditional steel reinforcement. The report states that the lighter weight also reduces transportation costs and improves installation efficiency.

Expansion Timeline and Impact

While specific operational timelines weren’t detailed in the initial announcement, the $15.5 million investment represents a significant commitment to U.S. market penetration. Economic development officials suggest this expansion could position MST as a major supplier for upcoming infrastructure projects throughout the southeastern United States, leveraging North Carolina’s strategic location and transportation networks.

The move comes as many construction industry experts are increasingly advocating for alternative materials that offer longer service life and reduced maintenance costs, particularly for critical infrastructure projects where durability is paramount.

References

This article aggregates information from publicly available sources. All trademarks and copyrights belong to their respective owners.

Note: Featured image is for illustrative purposes only and does not represent any specific product, service, or entity mentioned in this article.

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