FUNDING ANNOUNCED FOR MANUFACTURING PROJECTS

Saskatchewan manufacturers and exporters can take advantage of two new programs to increase their productivity and efficiency thanks to funding from the Canada-Saskatchewan Western Economic Partnership Agreement (WEPA).

The $105,200 Lean Manufacturing project will help manufacturers streamline operations. The $115,000 Capacity Exchange pilot project provides a web site that allows them to exchange goods and services to improve operating efficiency.

The Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Finance, on behalf of the Honourable Stephen Owen, Minister of Western Economic Diversification and Minister of State (Sport) and Saskatchewan Industry and Resources Minister Eric Cline today announced a total of $173,200 in federal-provincial funding toward the projects.

"Increasingly Western Canadian businesses are using innovative tools—such as those announced today—to better meet the challenges of getting their products to the nation and the world," Goodale said. "The Government of Canada is investing in these types of projects to help build local strength and capacity to ensure that every region can advance economically and share in prosperity."

"The Government of Saskatchewan is committed to providing businesses in the province with resources to successfully compete in the manufacturing sector," Cline said. "The funding announced today will help Saskatchewan-based companies become more efficient in manufacturing, and provide much needed support for the sector in rural areas."

In the first project, Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) are offering Value Stream Mapping (VSM) training and Lean Manufacturing information sessions as part of a campaign to promote increased global competitiveness of Saskatchewan industry. The federal and provincial governments will provide $36,600 each, while the CME will contribute $32,000.

Value Stream Mapping will help companies visually identify where inefficiencies occur within their organizations and processes. Using Lean Manufacturing practices, companies can remove unnecessary waste or activities from their operations, making them more efficient and profitable. Sixteen Saskatchewan businesses have been identified for VSM training. Additional Lean Manufacturing training sessions will be held in Moose Jaw, Prince Albert, Swift Current and Yorkton.

Under the Capacity Exchange pilot project, the Saskatchewan Economic Developers Association (SEDA) will contract a consultant to develop the project concept. The project will assist manufacturers in the exchange of excess capacities and productivity improvements. A password-protected web site will be developed through which companies will be able to exchange capacities such as labour hours, machine hours, purchasing and transportation efficiencies.

The federal and provincial governments will provide $50,000 each with $15,000 coming from the Carleton Trail Regional Economic Development Authority.

SEDA provides professional development, training, and networking opportunities for all levels of government economic developers in the province.

Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters works to improve the competitiveness of Canadian industry and to expand export business.

In September 2003, the governments of Canada and Saskatchewan signed the Canada-Saskatchewan Western Economic Partnership Agreement. Each party committed $25 million over the next four years to support economic development initiatives that will create a more robust Saskatchewan economy and generate stronger, more sustainable communities.

Funding for these projects were provided for in the March 2004 federal budget.

A stronger West. A stronger Canada.

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For More Information, Contact:

Joanne Mysak Western Economic Diversification Canada Saskatoon Phone: (306)975-5942	Bob Ellis Industry and Resources Regina Phone: (306)787-1691
Brian McCready Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters Edmonton Phone: 1-800-642-3871	Kent Dubreuil Saskatchewan Economic Dvelopers Association Biggar Phone: (306)948-2295