Canadian steel is used for Canadian-made vehicles, buildings and critical infrastructure like rail, roads, bridges and clean energy projects. Global customers are starting to demand low-carbon steel, and Canadian companies are answering the call, switching from a process that uses coal and replacing it with clean electricity. This cleaner steel offers competitive advantages for Canadian companies and protects generations of good jobs across the industry. We caught up with Greg Amadio, a frontline supervisor of Algoma Steel’s new Electric Arc Furnaces (EAF) in Sault Ste. Marie, to learn more about his role in Canada’s clean economy.

Can you tell us about your job?

I manage the EAF process area to achieve monthly safety, environment, cost, quality, and production targets. An EAF is a massive steelmaking furnace that heats scrap metal using electrical energy. It can reach temperatures over 1,500°C to melt scrap metal into molten steel, playing a crucial role in producing low-carbon steel. This transition marks one of Canada’s largest carbon reduction projects, cutting emissions by approximately 70%.

What does your day to day look like?

I support shift supervisors by developing procedures and sharing information to ensure safe and efficient operation of the two EAFs. I monitor operating variables and make required adjustments to ensure stable and consistent steelmaking operations. I also work with different teams (Procurement, Transportation and Scrap Processers) to ensure timely delivery of scrap inventory. I also monitor raw material and consumable inventories required for the steelmaking process.

What attracted you to this job? 

I applied for this job because I wanted to be part of the team that will transition Algoma into the future and increase the company’s competitiveness.

There is so much pressure, and significant benefits for North American industries to go low carbon, and it’s great to be involved with this on a professional level. It’s challenging and rewarding. There are personal benefits as well. I have a young family, and it’s important for me to provide for them. Low carbon is here to stay, and by being part of this societal shift as part of my employment, there’s long-term job security.

What was your career path to get to this job?

I studied and graduated with a degree in Industrial Management and Marketing from Michigan Technological University. I played professional hockey for 10 years in the ECHL and AHL.  After retiring from professional hockey, I began working at Algoma Steel. I was shuffled to different areas as part of the labour union before landing a posting in the steelmaking department. I was fortunate to get an opportunity as a melter (think of a chef but the end dish is molten steel) and discovered a real enthusiasm for making steel.

Working as Melter and directing my own furnace crew prepared me to move into a full time Supervisor role. As a hockey player I was always part of a team working towards a common goal and that experience combined with leading by example has helped me achieve the position I am in now.

How has your role and company benefited the local community?

The EAF project has created over 500 construction jobs, bringing contractors and tradespeople to Sault Ste. Marie and injecting significant revenue into our community. We’ve also invested over $100 million locally as part of the project, which has further strengthened the economic impact on the region.

How do you feel about working in a sector that’s helping build the clean economy? 

I am proud to be part of the team that will transform Algoma Steel into an electric steelmaker and reduce our environmental footprint. It is exciting to be challenged with learning new processes and working with new teammates towards a common goal. Algoma Steel is an integral part of Sault Ste. Marie and it is satisfying to know that so many Algoma employees are committed to working towards a healthy environmental and financial future for the company.

There are hundreds of clean energy and tech companies in Canada. And millions of people are working in clean energy, clean tech and across our supply chain. Find out more about clean economy jobs and see who’s hiring!