TKMS latest to team up with Quebec steel firm in sub competition

OTTAWA — German submarine maker TKMS is teaming up with a domestic steel-forging company as it vies for a lucrative contract to supply the Canadian navy with new submarines.

TKMS says it inked a partnership with the Quebec-based forged-steel manufacturer Finkl Steel — Sorel to produce specialized stainless-steel materials for submarines.

It’s part of an overall strategy in the competition to include domestic companies in the submarine supply chain — even though they’re made in Germany.

Rival bidder Hanwha Oceans signed a major partnership with Sault Ste. Marie’s Algoma Steel earlier this year to buy steel from it to build subs and maintenance facilities — and spin up a new steel-beam mill.