The former Babcock-Wilcox fabrication building along Highway 10 in Melville has new owners.

Kihew Fabco will be using the 55-thousand square foot facility. Kihew Fabco is a fabrication company that specializes in welding, engineering and design and 3-D modelling services.

In 2019, the Kahkewistahaw First Nation, which owns half of Kihew Fabco, purchased the building.

Chief of the Kahkewistahaw First Nation Evan Taypotat says this venture will provide positive economic spinoff for the Rail City and the First Nation.

“We want people that are willing to work hard and have fun. Ethnicity and skin colour are not important, what’s important is that you come and work in a team setting,” Taypotat said. “Work towards the greater good, make some money and put economic spinoff into the City of Melville.”

“We’re actually going to go and put an effort into developing our own companies, our own partnerships and we’re doing that as best we can so that our people have more opportunity through jobs with the money that comes from those partnerships.” He said of the path to Kahkewistahaw’s sovereignty is through economic development and not wait for anyone to provide a handout.

President and CEO of Kihew Fabco Desmond Dumais says they’re looking forward to having a good working relationship with the City of Melville.

“We’re all about revenue for the community, jobs training and mentorship and opportunities for our community members,” Dumais said. “We’re looking to go forward with that and have a great relationship with the City of Melville and all the people that live here.”

Melville City Council welcomed the company into the community, as Dumais and Chief Taypotat were part of a delegation that provided a presentation to City Council on Monday night, showing their plans for the building.

Mayor Walter Streelasky says this partnership can also benefit students.

“Those high school students may have a reason to, upon graduation, to stay to take the necessary training, become a part of our community and help in this economic development of our community for both us and Kahkewistahaw,” Streelasky said.

A grand opening is set for November 18th.

(Photo source: Google Maps)