MANUFACTURING WEEK HIGHLIGHTS STRENGTHS OF SASKATCHEWAN’S GLOBAL BRAND

As Saskatchewan continues to set the pace for Canada's continued economic growth, Manufacturing Week begins today, acknowledging some of the largest drivers and enablers behind that prosperity.

"Saskatchewan is becoming renowned as a place where innovation and enterprise meet to produce results," Enterprise Minister Jeremy Harrison said. "Saskatchewan is developing a global brand and much of that is thanks to the hard work and success of our manufacturers."

The province's diverse and highly competitive manufacturing industry is one of its key economic sectors, generating $10.9 billion in shipments in 2010 and employing more than 30,000 people in both rural and urban communities right across Saskatchewan. The events planned during Manufacturing Week are intended to raise awareness of the importance of this industry to a province with a strong reliance on exports.

Saskatchewan manufacturers export approximately 80 per cent of what they produce, representing a wide range of materials including machinery, wood products and industrial equipment, with emerging sectors such as aerospace and satellite communications technology. More than 100 countries imported made-in-Saskatchewan goods in 2010.

For additional details about Manufacturing Week, the schedule of events, and the industry itself, please visit http://www.enterprisesaskatchewan.ca/mfgweek.

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For more information, contact:

Jamie Shanks
Enterprise Saskatchewan
Regina
Phone: 306-798-0503
Email: jamie.shanks@enterprisesask.ca