4 days ago
Saint John, N.B., refinery undergoing $100M upgrade
Storage tanks are seen at the Irving Oil refinery in Saint John, N.B. on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2013.
The Saint John, N.B., refinery is undergoing a $100-million upgrade to its fluid catalytic cracking unit.
Irving Oil, which operates the refinery, says the cracking unit refines crude oil to produce products like gasoline and diesel. The privately-funded upgrade project will bring in roughly 675 skilled workers, primarily from Atlantic Canada, Irving claims.
'Work will be completed in a phased approach over the summer and fall, beginning this month,' a news release from Irving says. 'During this time, the additional tradespeople supporting the project at the refinery, including labourers, scaffolders, pipefitters, boilermakers and insulators will generate direct and indirect benefits to the regional economy – an estimated $3.5 million in economic spinoffs in New Brunswick – by providing boosts to accommodations, recreation services, restaurants, as well as retail and other sectors.
'In addition, the total workforce hours on the project represent the equivalent of more than 140 annualized jobs.'
The refinery, which is the largest in Canada, was established in 1960.
Refinery
Storage tanks are seen at the Irving Oil refinery in Saint John, N.B. on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2013.
(Andrew Vaughan)
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