Dietrich Metal Framing has formed a Canadian metal framing joint venture with Encore Coils. The joint venture will operate under the name Dietrich Metal Framing Canada.

Dietrich Metal Framing Canada's flagship facility, which will be located in Mississauga, is nearing completion. Manufacturing facilities are also being established in a number of markets throughout Canada. In addition to the metal framing products being manufactured at its Canadian facilities, the joint venture will offer a variety of Dietrich Metal Framing proprietary products and systems, which will be supplied by Dietrich's U.S. facilities.

"We are excited about this venture with Encore," said Ed Ponko, President of Dietrich Metal Framing. "Expanding our products, proprietary systems and services into Canada aligns with our strategy to grow our business. We are proud to be working with a leading Canadian steel operation."

"Encore brings to the joint venture a proven management team, deep understanding of the Canadian building materials market and a steady steel supply," according to Roger Wild, President of Dietrich Metal Framing Canada. "Dietrich's leadership in the U.S. combined with our Canadian presence will make this a strong partnership."

Dietrich Metal Framing is the largest manufacturer of steel framing products in the United States. Dietrich's 2000 employees operate state-of-the-art equipment and in-house metallurgic labs in 27 facilities. Founded in 1959, Dietrich Metal Framing is a Worthington Industries company.

Worthington Industries is a leading diversified metal processing company with annual sales of more than $2 billion. The Columbus, Ohio, based company is a premier value-added steel processor and a leader in manufactured metal products such as metal framing, metal ceiling grid systems, pressure cylinders, automotive past model service stampings and laser welded blanks. The company employs 8000 people and operates 62 facilities in 10 countries.

Headquartered in Edmonton, Alta., Encore Coils offers slitting, blanking, decoiling and inventory management services from facilities in Edmonton and Calgary, Alta.; Kelowna and Surrey, B.C.; Saskatoon, Sask.; and Winnipeg, Man. Encore was formed after the acquisition of the North American specialty metals and carbon flat-rolled steel distribution businesses of Corus in March 2004. The specialty metals business was renamed Encore Metals and the flat-rolled steel business became Encore Coils.