Manufacturing
Saskatchewan has a strong, diverse manufacturing sector producing a wide range of manufactured goods.
In 2009, manufacturing GDP in Saskatchewan was $2.8 billion representing 7.7% of all economic activity in the province. Of the variety of manufactured goods we produce – over 75% is exported. From seeding equipment in Kazakhstan, to ambulances in the United Kingdom, to mining equipment in South Africa – the products manufactured by Saskatchewan companies can be seen around the world.
Taking Saskatchewan’s Best to the World
Our manufacturers are known as innovators producing leading-edge, high-quality products in a variety of manufacturing sub-sectors:
Agricultural Equipment: Saskatchewan manufacturers are specialists in short-line manufacturing of agricultural equipment for precision dryland farming. Our manufacturers are developing world-class equipment for seeding and tillage, grain handling, storage and transportation, livestock and forage, spraying, fertilizer application and rock removal. Our manufacturers are also OEM suppliers to the main-line equipment manufacturers.
Customers from around the globe come to our province looking for the best in agricultural equipment – and they will find it here!
Wood Products: In Saskatchewan our provincial forest covers 52% of the province’s land area. Saskatchewan is home to a variety of forestry firms including sawmills, a plywood plant, an oriented strand board (OSB) plant, treated wood facilities and numerous secondary wood processing operations. Our primary wood producers are manufacturing dimensional lumber, finishing lumber, specialty rough wood products, treated fence posts, etc.
The secondary industry is comprised of manufacturers making roof trusses, cabinets, wall paneling, moulding and flooring. Combine Saskatchewan’s vast timber supply with our variety of wood producers and we are a solid player in the wood products market.
Construction/Industrial/Material Handling Equipment: Are you looking for dozer blades, compact utility loaders, rotary cutters or snow plows? Well look no further. Saskatchewan manufacturers are leaders in the production of these types of equipment. No matter what the application, what the use or what the environment is our manufacturers’ are sure to have a piece of equipment to suit a variety of conditions.
Transportation Equipment: Saskatchewan exports of transportation equipment are valued at close to $50 million.
Saskatchewan companies are designing and manufacturing trailers for agriculture, industrial, construction, commercial and recreational use. We also have companies specialized in manufacturing ambulances, buses and specialty vehicles.
Contract Manufacturing: There is a strong contract manufacturing sector in Saskatchewan building innovative products, parts and components. Contracting manufacturers design and custom-build products based on the specific needs of their clients. The range of products includes truck decks, fuel tanks, conveyor systems, hydraulic cylinders, etc. Whatever your custom fabrication need – our contract manufacturers are the right choice.
Mining/Oil/Gas Equipment: Saskatchewan is the largest potash producer and the second largest uranium producer in the world. Since these minerals are being mined right in our own backyard it makes sense that our manufacturers are producing equipment ranging from ventilation systems, to refuge stations, to stainless steel filtration products.
Our province is also rich in oil and natural gas and our manufacturers are supplying products such as pressure vessels, piping systems, storage containers and work camps/offices to this industry.
Consumer Goods: In our province we also have innovative entrepreneurs designing products for the consumer goods industry. The assortment of goods include health and wellness products, hand-crafted high-end jewelry, home and garden products, artisan and craft products, specialty food items, etc. These entrepreneurs are dedicated to their industry and committed to making their companies a global success.
The manufacturing industry is a leading driver of the Saskatchewan economy. STEP’s manufacturing team is there to support the efforts of Saskatchewan manufacturers as they explore/expand into new markets around the world. Come meet some of our members.