Durrant Pate/Contributor

ARC Manufacturing is supporting the recent findings from the Fair Trading Commission (FTC) in Jamaica, which has flagged Tank-Weld Metals, the leading supplier of steel products in the country, for potentially abusing its dominant market position. 

The fair competition regulator had carried out an investigation of Tankweld, prompted by a complaint from its primary competitor, ARC Manufacturing and found that Tank-Weld was likely selling steel reinforcing bars (rebar) below cost to the detriment of rivals. Rebar is used to strengthen concrete in homes, schools and national infrastructure projects.

ARC Manufacturing brought the complaint because the market was not operating on fair terms. Following its probe, the FTC concluded that Tank-Weld is “likely abusing its dominance in the market by harming rivals and customers”. 

The complaint alleged that Tank-Weld was engaged in predatory pricing on rebar, noting that the FTC believes this behaviour is reducing competition, particularly in the wholesale steel market.

Supreme Court challenge to be mounted

The FTC’s findings are being challenged by Tankweld in the Supreme Court. ARC Manufacturing says the FTC’s process was thorough and its findings were based on evidence. ARC now expects the FTC will now takes steps to address the conduct process and is ready to work towards a stable and fair market for all.

While this current March 2026 report has flagged the company, Tank-Weld’s CEO, Chris Bicknell. Noted that similar complaints in 2000 and 2009 were deemed to be without merit by the FTC. 

However, investigators determined that Tank-Weld’s special licence to operate a private port in Rio Bueno does not give it an unfair advantage, clearing them of that specific allegation.