ROAD REPAIR TECHNOLOGY TO CREATE JOBS IN PRIVATE SECTOR

Saskatchewan Highways and Transportation has entered into a licensing agreement that allows WRT Equipment Ltd. of Saskatoon to manufacture a unique road repair machine invented by department employees.

The new technology has generated considerable interest in the road maintenance community in Canada and the U.S. and it is expected that a significant number of these units could be sold in the next ten years across North America and worldwide.

"This could translate into substantial job creation, millions of dollars in sales and other possible economic spin-offs," Saskatoon Greystone MLA Peter Prebble said, on behalf of Highways and Transportation Minister Eldon Lautermilch. "I am very impressed with the group of employees who took the initiative to develop this innovation, which will not only be used to improve our highways, but will in turn have a direct impact on employment and economic development."

The Transverse Crack-filling Machine (TCM 8000) produces modified asphalt mixes that can be applied in treating cracking, rutting, and depressed areas on roads and highways. The technology was developed, tested and used by Highways and Transportation staff in central Saskatchewan over the past three years.

It will be a cost-effective and environmentally friendly preservation treatment to supplement existing treatments such as crack filling, seal coat and sand sulphur patching that department crews already deliver.

"WRT Equipment is very pleased to enter into this agreement with Saskatchewan Highways and Transportation," WRT Equipment Ltd. President Stew Edelman said. "The department has been very successful in developing a machine that not only meets an important need within the province but also has considerable potential in the rest of Canada and the United States. This piece of equipment compliments WRT's existing line of road construction equipment. We are looking forward to the manufacturing and marketing of this equipment and the positive impact it will have on our company, our community and the province."

Highways and Transportation officials will continue to work with WRT Equipment Ltd. to provide technical expertise and assistance in support of the project.

Based in Saskatoon since 1975, WRT Equipment Ltd. designs, manufactures and distributes construction equipment products used by contractors in road-related construction across North America.

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For More Information, Contact:

Kirsten Leatherdale Highways and Transportation Regina Phone: (306) 787-8484 Cell: (306) 536-9692

Stew R. Edelman President, WRT Equipment Ltd. Saskatoon Phone: (306) 244-0423 Cell: (306) 222-6125