MANUFACTURING WEEK SHOWCASES PRODUCTS AND IDEAS FROM SASKATCHEWAN COMPANIES

Saskatchewan innovation, growth, and success - and the companies, large and small, responsible for it - will provide the focus for the province's second annual Manufacturing Week, May 22-25, 2007.

The manufacturing and processing industry in Saskatchewan, nearly half of which is based outside of Saskatoon and Regina, is where some of the province’s most pioneering and creative economic activity is taking place.  It is also a significant contributor to the export-based provincial economy.  Manufacturing shipments totalled $10.4 billion in 2006, a 4.2 per cent increase over 2005, while international exports increased by $71.6 million to a total of $3.4 billion.

“Saskatchewan manufacturers are showing precisely how and why we are innovative by nature, and they’re not just showing it to people in this province or this country,” Industry and Resources Minister Eric Cline said.  “They’re showing it to the entire world through the products they build, as well as the solutions they provide to international markets—solutions that are Saskatchewan-made.”

The proclamation of Manufacturing Week was made in conjunction with the announcement in Saskatoon this morning of Phase II of the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies’ successful welding program.  The program is an ongoing initiative in partnership with several Saskatchewan manufacturers to improve the supply of Level 1 welders in the province.

“Our response to the needs of local manufacturers has been quick and provided us with the opportunity to test a solution,” Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies president Ray Ahenakew said.  “While the outcomes meet some of the needs, we know more advanced training is required for fabricators.  We are moving to design that program for Fall 2007.  Our message is we want to respond by involving our First Nation youth in the skill-related sector of the economy.  It’s a proud day to see our young people in these welding booths.”

Events scheduled to promote Manufacturing Week and showcase the dynamics of the manufacturing industry include presentations on topics such as increasing competitiveness through process improvement and the creation of “lean” culture in businesses.

For details, please visit www.ir.gov.sk.ca and see the Promoting Saskatchewan section.

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For more information, contact:

Jamie Shanks
Industry and Resources
Regina
Phone: 306-787-1691
Email: jshanks@ir.gov.sk.ca