Canada gets first bullet-proof steel plant  

Canada is building its first plant to produce bullet-proof steel after a federal trade mission to Sweden inked a $100-million (US$72.2 million) deal.

Ontario-based armoured vehicle maker Roshel and Swedish specialty steel producer Swebor signed the agreement Tuesday in Sweden during a visit by Canadian Industry Minister Mélanie Joly. The project is to be executed in stages over several years, Roshel CEO Roman Shimonov said in a news release.  

“This project goes beyond steel – it is about establishing industrial sovereignty,” Shimonov said. “By bringing ballistic steel production to Canada, we are reducing a critical dependency, protecting our supply chain and laying the groundwork for long-term resilience in the defence and manufacturing sectors.” 

Ballistic steel is a hardened, lightweight material used in armoured vehicles, naval ships, protective infrastructure and aerospace. Annual global demand is valued at around US$1 billion and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 4-6% over the next decade, with few countries producing it in large volumes. Canada relies entirely on imports, mainly from the U.S. and Europe. A typical cash-in-transit truck might have 1 to 2.5 tonnes of ballistic steel. 

Swedish expertise

Swebor, which supplies defence clients worldwide, brings technical expertise to the venture. Its involvement, Roshel said, is key to ensuring production meets stringent international standards for ballistic protection.

Roshel’s potential plant production wasn’t disclosed but ballistic-grade steel is a specialized, low-volume product. Defence-focused mills such as India’s Rourkela steel plant produce about 15,000 tonnes a year of armoured plate alongside other products. 

Ballistic-grade steel sells for about US$900 to US$3,000 per tonne depending on grade, thickness and supplier, according to listings from Triton Alloys. That compares with conventional structural steel prices of US$850 to US$1,100 per tonne tracked by SteelBenchmarker.

The proposed plant will create a new segment within the country’s industrial base tied to the mining supply chain in the Labrador Trough and elsewhere, the company said. The project will support supplier networks, foster innovation and provide long-term employment. 

“This new partnership between Roshel and Swebor to produce ballistic-grade steel showcases Canada’s world-renowned capabilities – from mined iron ore to domestic steel production to advanced manufacturing,” Minister Joly said. “At this pivotal moment of global transformation, we’re working hand-in-hand with industry and European partners to build a stronger, more resilient economy.”