MANUFACTURING WEEK PUTS THE SPOTLIGHT ON SASKATCHEWAN INNOVATION AND COMPETITIVENESS

One of the province's economic success stories is being profiled with the start of Saskatchewan Manufacturing Week at an event in Regina today, the first of a series being held over the next several days around the province.

A presentation on leadership during challenging times in manufacturing by Dave Hogg, Director of Consortium Development, High Performance Solutions, kicks off the week's agenda intended to raise the profile of Saskatchewan's innovative and globally competitive manufacturers.

"With total shipments worth $12.3 billion in 2008 - the highest value ever, up 86 per cent from a decade ago - our manufacturers are letting their products and their work speaks for themselves," Enterprise Minister Ken Cheveldayoff said. "These products encompass a surprising spectrum of applications, technologies and ideas, exemplifying Saskatchewan's endless potential for innovation."

Foreign exports of products made in Saskatchewan were worth $4.4 billion last year. Along with agriculture and resource production, the manufacturing industry is a significant driver of the provincial economy. Approximately 31,000 people - about six per cent of the working population in Saskatchewan - are employed by the manufacturing industry, nearly half of which is located outside of Regina and Saskatoon.

For additional details about Manufacturing Week, the schedule of events, and the industry itself, please visit www.enterprisesaskatchewan.ca/mfgweek.

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For more information, contact:

Jamie Shanks
Enterprise Saskatchewan
Regina
Phone: 306-798-0503
Email: jamie.shanks@enterprisesask.ca