IPSCO Inc. announced it will construct a second pipe finishing facility at its Red Deer, Alberta Pipeworks. The line will be fully operational in the second quarter of 2004, and will significantly expand IPSCO's finishing capability for casing and line pipe.

Separately, the company announced receiving an order for 150,000 tons of 36-inch spiral pipe for a natural gas project that will be the largest Grade X-80 pipeline ever constructed in North America. Production was scheduled to commence at the company's Regina, Saskatchewan facility in November and is slated to be completed by June 2004.

IPSCO operates steel mills at three locations and pipe mills at six locations in Canada and the U.S. The company produces a wide range of tubular products including line pipe, oil and gas well casing and tubing, along with standard pipe and hollow structurals.