Highland Project News & Events

View complete article at Billings Gazette

Waves of oil dollars gushing through the Northern Plains are washing into the Billings economy in ways that are difficult to ignore.

At the former Anderson Steel Co. plant at 301 Orchard Lane, Highland Projects of Sundre, Alberta, is manufacturing specialized steel tanks that are used by drilling rigs exploring oil-bearing formations in North Dakota, Alberta, Wyoming and Montana.

Walking through a shop where grinders throw sparks and walls are illuminated by a welder’s flickering blue light, Highland Projects owner Josh Hillock said he’s pleased with the quality of workers who responded to a recent help wanted ad in The Billings Gazette.

“We got a lot of interest from guys who were experienced, and we trained them up on our process,” Hillock said. “I’m not used to so many people applying for work.”

To date, Highland Projects has hired 18 people, and more could be added if the demand for Highland’s products continues to be strong. Hillock also plans to hire a Billings-based salesman who’s familiar with the region and can market Highland’s products.

Another Canadian company, ACL Manufacturing Inc., also of Sundre, is subleasing space in the Anderson Steel building. Company President Chris Aldrich said the Billings sales staff aims to sell combustion-related products — burners, heaters and controllers used in the oil and gas industry.

Although the bulk of the oil activity is focused hundreds of miles away in western North Dakota, Eastern Montana and Wyoming, Billings businesses are increasingly filling the needs for goods and services.

Big Sky Economic Development, Yellowstone County’s economic development agency, has held a series of forums providing tips on how local businesses can provide products and services to the Williston area. Read More

View complete article at Billings Gazette

Boom times in the oil-and-gas industry will soon lead to more manufacturing jobs in Billings.

A Canadian company has leased the former Anderson Steel Co. building at 301 Orchard Lane and plans to hire welders and other workers involved in manufacturing equipment for oil fields.

Josh Hillock, owner of Highland Projects of Sundre, Alberta, said he has started advertising for openings and expects to begin hiring by the middle of September or early October.

"We're going to be manufacturing storage tanks and silos used in fracking," Hillock said, referring to the hydraulic fracturing process in which sand and chemicals are pumped underground at high pressure to recover oil and gas.

"Initially, we'll be hiring about 20 people to start with, mainly welders and yard people," Hillock said.

He said two factors figured into the decision to expand to Billings. It's relatively close to active oil-and-gas areas such as the Bakken field in Eastern Montana and western North Dakota and the Niobrara shale play in eastern Colorado and southeastern Wyoming, he said.

The Calgary area also has a shortage of skilled workers.

"We're maxed out in Alberta," Hillock said. "There aren't enough people to fill the jobs. But they appear to have an abundance of trades in the Billings area." Read More