MANUFACTURING WORKSHOP INCREASES COMPETITIVENESS

Manufacturers in southwest Saskatchewan will have access to special training in the principles of lean enterprise through a workshop being hosted by Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters in Swift Current during Manufacturing Week May 29th to June 2nd.

"Manufacturing is one of the fastest growing sectors in Saskatchewan and, as such, we want to provide opportunities that ensure all regions of the province are participants in this growth," Industry and Resources Minister Eric Cline said. "This type of interactive, industry-specific training helps ensure Saskatchewan manufacturers continue to develop their competitive advantage."

The one-day session, which focuses on increased efficiency to maximize productivity, has had proven results with Saskatchewan manufacturers, many of which are known internationally for best practices in people, processes and innovation. In recognition of this competitive edge, Saskatchewan Industry and Resources is offering the training opportunity in partnership with Western Economic Diversification Canada and Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters. Saskatchewan Regional Economic and Co-operative Development and the Action Southwest Business Network Coalition are participants in promoting the seminar to businesses in the Swift Current region.

"Saskatchewan has many high performance companies that are using their lean expertise to reach full market potential," Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters Vice President for Alberta and Saskatchewan Brian McCready said. "Sharing this information is the best way for manufacturers to improve their bottom line."

The training session, called 5-S and the Visual Factory, provides participants with the understanding and tools to begin systematically implementing a safe, visual and orderly workplace. Invented in Japan, 5-S focuses on Seiri (Tidy), Seiton (Orderly), Seiso (Clean), Seiketsu (Standardized), and Shitsuke (Self-disciplined) workspaces, and explains how these concepts contribute to greater efficiencies and increased performance in manufacturing.

The 5-S and the Visual Factory workshop takes place Thursday, June 1st in the South West Centre for Entrepreneurial Development in Swift Current. For workshop details visit: http://www.cme-mec.ca/sask/.

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For More Information, Contact:

Jennifer Redston Industry and Resources Regina Phone: (306) 787-1691