North-end industry producing activated alumina products is expanding

Two property sales up for approval at city council’s regular meeting tonight point to growth in the north-end industrial park.

Axens, formerly Rio Tinto Alcan, is buying a stretch of land for future expansion, while another Development Drive firm, Ottawa Rental Supply, is looking to expand in 2016 and add jobs, according to city officials.

Council will vote on a motion to sell up to 3.745 acres of serviced land in the John G. Broome Business Park, on the northern section of Development Drive, to Axens-IFP Group Technologies, for a purchase price of $25,000 per acre or $93,625 in total.

In a report to council, economic development director Dave Paul notes the French multinational is buying the land “for future expansion planning anticipated in the short term.”

The former Alcan plant has been in the north-end industrial park since 1987 and has undergone four expansions, including the construction of a warehouse complex, now almost completed.

Jack Flanagan, the company’s general manager for Canada, said Monday plans for the future expansion have yet to be finalized.

“At the moment, the move to obtain the land is just to secure the position,” said Flanagan.

“It’s definitely a step demonstrating confidence in this business.”

The Axens plant, which produces activated alumina products used as absorbents to filter out impurities in chemical processes, now employs 60 people.

Mayor David Henderson said Axens remains “a good, solid-based manufacturing company” in the city.

“They’re making a choice based on long-term plans,” added the mayor.

“They’re investing. That’s a good sign.”