EAST PALESTINE Tubetech farms out some tasks

THE VINDICATOR, YOUNGSTOWN, OHIO
EAST PALESTINE -- Tubetech, a maker of welded steel tubing has contracted with a Toledo company, Precision Cutoff LLC, to act as its primary tube cutting, processing and fabricating supplier.
Stephen Oliphant, president of Tubetech, said the work used to be done in-house, so 18 workers were laid off earlier this month when the jobs were sent to Toledo. The tube mill now employs about 50 hourly and salaried workers, he said.
Tubetech officials found it was more economical to export the cutting, processing and fabricating rather than doing the work at the plant, Oliphant said, calling the alliance with Precision Cutoff a "win-win" for Tubetech and its customers.
Under the agreement, Tubetech will concentrate on manufacturing welded steel tubing and the Toledo company will cut and fabricate the product to customer specifications.
"This alliance will expand our capabilities, our capacities and competitive edge to better position Tubetech for future growth, success and security for our company and committed employees," Oliphant said.
Officials hope eventually to recall the laid-off workers to other jobs if business picks up, he said, but he cautioned that it may take time because of the sluggish economy.
Founded in 1988, Tubetech makes tubing for the automotive and appliance industries.