Alexander Tubular

Economic empowerment and reconciliation in action: Get the financing you need to accelerate your growth

BDC is not a traditional bank. It is a unique entity with a powerful value proposition. BDC bets on your potential, even when the risks seem high. They were instrumental in helping us get going, knocking down roadblocks, and trusting us from the outset. Fast-forward two years after our first loan: we are expanding our operations.

Alexander Tubular is owned by Alexander First Nation—the first and only First Nation community in Canada to extrude pipe.

About the company

Founded in 2023, Alexander Tubular manufactures High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) pipes, a cost effective, sustainable, and durable alternative to PVC, steel or concrete pipes.

Location: Edmonton and Alexander First Nation, Alberta

Industry: Manufacturing

Entrepreneur challenge

Alexander Tubular was looking for financing to acquire an existing facility that had been vacated recently and launch into manufacturing High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) pipes for the growing North American market. Known for their durability and flexibility, HDPE pipes are used in a wide range of industries, from oil and gas to agriculture, mining, telecom and municipal water services. The company needed flexible financing for the acquisition to give it breathing room to pursue its growth objectives.

BDC expertise

With a clear understanding of the financing challenges that Indigenous businesses face, paired with solid expertise in industrial manufacturing, BDC was able to provide flexible and patient capital allowing the company to launch its operations and accelerate its growth. The first loan helped Alexander Tubular invest in the necessary equipment and set up a polyethylene (HDPE) pipe manufacturing plant. BDC also extended a second loan to support the company’s expansion plans and add a fifth production line for larger diameter pipes.

Results

Multiple increases in sales
Significant speed to market with first pipe manufactured within nine months of facility setup
30 jobs created supporting the local Edmonton economy
Empowering Indigenous economic participation and ownership, by entering a high-potential market and becoming the first First Nation community in Canada to manufacture HDPE pipes
Significant growth projected over the next years, generating returns that can be re-invested for the benefit of the community

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