MANUFACTURING EXCELLENCE PROFILED

Businesses are gathering today in Saskatoon for a one-day workshop on getting "lean".

The Lean Enterprise Symposium is focusing on best practices that have improved productivity and competitiveness for Saskatchewan companies.

The speakers represent local businesses that have improved their competitive edge by learning how to identify and eliminate inefficiencies. Lean Enterprise or High Performance Manufacturing, is a program developed and administered by Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters (CME).

"Whether it's food processing, mining equipment, or wireless telecom products, Saskatchewan has first-rate manufacturers and service providers that are international leaders in process innovation," Industry and Resources Minister Eric Cline said. "A forum for sharing Saskatchewan's success stories is an excellent way to help a wide range of business people from all sectors improve their bottom line."

Speakers from Cover-All Building Products, Doepker Industries, Canada Post, and Brandt Engineered Products have been recognized by their peers for their implementation of lean principles.

Doepker Industries, one of Canada's top trailer manufacturers, has experienced positive results since implementing lean practices.

"Doepker has reduced its break-even point by 25 per cent and decreased its inventory by 47 per cent," Doepker Industries Vice President of Operations Gurcan Kocdag said.

The keynote luncheon speaker is Philip Kirby, of Guelph, Ontario, founder of Organizational Thoughtware International Inc. As an author and consultant in organizational design and lean systems, he has helped companies around the world achieve superior results.

This inaugural symposium is a partnership between Saskatchewan Industry and Resources and the CME Saskatchewan Division and is sponsored by the Saskatchewan Advanced Technology Association. The Lean Enterprise Symposium is one of many events taking place during Saskatchewan Opportunities Week.

Saskatchewan's manufacturing sector employs 30,000 people and produces $7.5 billion in shipments annually, 75 per cent of which are exported.

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For More Information, Contact:

Bob Ellis Industry and Resources Regina Phone: (306) 787-8277