SASKATOON — The manufacturing sector employs over 28,000 people in Saskatchewan, but officials have said it doesnt receive enough attention when compared to mining and farming.

Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) and Saskatchewan Polytechnic to formally establish the Centre of Excellence at the schools Saskatoon campus (Photo: CME)

That is why the is a Saskatchewan Manufacturing Centre of Excellence being built, aimed at closing the gaps and addressing critical impediments to growth in the industry.

Michelle Rempel, minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, was in Saskatoon to announce funding for the project Thursday.

The Centre of Excellence will provide Saskatchewan manufacturers with the resources, services and leadership necessary to compete and win in both domestic and global markets, says Derek Lothian, president of the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters group. Manufacturers in this province are already recognized around the world as world-class, but as markets evolve, so do the demands of business. It is imperative that manufacturers have timely access to the supports, training and best practices they need to continue creating jobs, stimulating investment, and driving economic growth.

He related the current situation to a three-legged stool wher two legs are being maintained, but now it is time to take care of the third one.

Some of the products being manufactured here include parts being used in the aerospace and defence sector.

Western Canada’s long-term economic growth depends on the development of a trained and highly skilled workforce. This investment in the Saskatchewan Manufacturing Centre of Excellence will meet the demand for skilled workers in Western Canada.