SASKATCHEWAN'S FIRST MANUFACTURING WEEK SHOWCASES INNOVATIVE WORK

The advanced and innovative work taking place in the province's growing manufacturing sector is being showcased during Saskatchewan Manufacturing Week.

This is the first year for the event, which takes place May 29th to June 2nd and comes amid record numbers for Saskatchewan manufacturers. The manufacturing sector's contribution to the province's Gross Domestic Product grew in real terms by 9.6 per cent in 2004, which was the highest growth rate among the provinces. In 2005, it grew by 4.9 per cent, the second-highest growth rate among the provinces, to $2.3 billion.

"Saskatchewan's manufacturing sector has had a particularly strong performance in the past two years," Industry and Resources Minister Eric Cline said. "This sector is one of the province's primary wealth-generating sectors, and as one of the key sectors of our economy, it is a provider of well-paid technical and professional jobs in some of our most advanced fields."

Events taking place during the week will recognize manufacturing as an important driver of the provincial economy and seek to encourage further investment in the sector. These activities will include a number of tours hosted by Saskatchewan manufacturers who are opening their doors to high school students and the general public in order to highlight their operations and promote the promising careers that exist in the province's manufacturing industry.

A complete calendar of events can be found at www.ir.gov.sk.ca/mfgweek.

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For More Information, Contact:

Jamie Shanks Industry and Resources Regina Phone: (306) 787-1691