Port Maitland, Ontario
by Lance Brown
Prior to the construction
of ERCO in 1957, the only firm to have a private siding was Canada Coal who closed
this facility in 1966.
In 1957, ERCO opened their dicalcium plant. This
was referred to as their "E" Plant.
In 1959, Sherbrooke Metallurgical
opens their zinc and chrome ore smelting and refining plant and Dominion Fertilzers,
a division of ERCO, opens their fertilizer plant. Dominion Fertilizers operations
are referred to as ERCO's "D" Plant.
In 1967, ERCO expanded
again with the opening of their new tripolyphosphate plant. This is referred to
as their "C" Plant. This is the only remaining operation in Port
Maitland today.
In 1972, ERCO purchases Sherbrooke Metallurgical.
It becomes their "S" Plant.
In 1974, ERCO sells their fertilizer
operations ("D" Plant - Dominion
Fertilizer) and dicalcium plants
("E" Plant - ERCO's original Port Maitland facility) to the International
Minerals Corporation, known as I.M.C. ERCO retains operation of their 1967 tripolyphosphate
plant (Plant C").
In 1984, I.M.C. closes their Port Maitland operations
and "D" and "E" plants are shutdown.
