Everything from drones to ambulances being produced in the land of the living skies
When considering Saskatchewan’s economic landscape, manufacturing isn’t necessarily the first thing that comes to mind. Although the province is mostly known for its strong natural resource and agriculture sectors, manufacturing is playing an increasingly important role in economic development in Saskatchewan.
Strength in Diversity
The diversity found within Saskatchewan’s manufacturing landscape is what makes it so strong. Yes, the province produces agricultural equipment and everything from major mining machines to smaller equipment for the mining industry, thereby supporting its most prominent economic sectors… But did you know that Saskatchewan also produces high-tech drones and ambulances that are shipped across the world?
Draganfly Inc. is a Saskatoon-based company that has become a world leader in the commercial drone industry by creating enterprise drone solutions, contract engineering services, and custom software. Crestline, a company also based out of Saskatoon, manufactures high-quality ambulances. These two companies are proudly showcasing the diversity and strength of Saskatchewan’s manufacturing sector.
Some other industries that are served by the province’s sector include aerospace and defence, forestry, oil and gas, and construction.
When it comes to construction, the province is home to one of the most innovative companies in Canada currently operating in the industry, 3twenty Modular. This design-build general contractor delivers projects using a modular building process, with a focus on providing turnkey building solutions to the commercial, education, institutional, and industrial markets in Western Canada. Just some examples of their work include the design and construction of numerous schools, health centres, a net zero house on Mistawasis First Nation, Muskoday First Nation’s store and gas bar, SSR Mining’s camp expansion and even NOV’s mobile drill rig in Alaska. Talk about diverse.
Vital to Rural Economic Development
More than half of Saskatchewan’s population lives in small towns and cities scattered across the province. This means that manufacturers located outside of the two major urban centers of Saskatoon and Regina play a crucial role in spurring rural economic development in the province. These companies are vitally important to build strong and vibrant communities across Saskatchewan.
A great example of a company that is having a major impact in their community, is Bourgault Industries Ltd., located in the Town of St. Brieux, Saskatchewan. With approximately 500,000 square feet of manufacturing and office area, and close to 1,000 employees, Bourgault is a world-class company that markets its agricultural equipment to all corners of the world.
Some other prominent rural-based Saskatchewan manufacturers include Honeybee Manufacturing in Frontier, Vaderstad Industries in Langbank, Schulte Industries in Englefeld, S3 Manufacturing in Swift Current, and Doepker Industries in Annaheim. The list could go on and on…
These companies and many more, are creating well-paying jobs and economic opportunities that are helping their local communities flourish.
An important factor to consider when looking at the long list of rural manufacturers in Saskatchewan is that a significant portion of them produce agricultural equipment. These companies were started by people with practical experience, and this hands-on knowledge helped to contribute to the serviceability and quality that defines Saskatchewan’s agricultural equipment globally.
Economic Reconciliation in Action
Saskatchewan is home to a number of Indigenous-led manufacturing companies that are contributing to economic reconciliation in the province.
One such company is Pro Metal Industries Ltd., which is one of the premier metal fabrication, custom manufacturing, and assembly specialist in Western Canada. On top of that, it is 100-per-cent owned by Pasqua First Nation.
Another successful Indigenous owned Saskatchewan manufacturer in the province is STC Industrial Group. This company is wholly owned by the Saskatoon Tribal Council and its seven-member communities and is dedicated to creating quality careers for Indigenous people in and around Saskatoon.
Manufacturing Prosperity
Saskatchewan’s manufacturing sector contributed nearly $5 billion to the province’s 2023 real GDP of $77.9 billion. In 2023 alone, Saskatchewan’s international exports of manufactured goods reached a record $11.6 billion. This accounts for 23.5 per cent of the province’s total international merchandise exports for that year. What’s more? Capital investment in Saskatchewan’s manufacturing sector for 2023 was $970.9 billion. This is an increase of over 27 per cent from 2022, the highest percentage increase among the provinces.
All of this shows how manufacturing continues to be an important sector for growth in Saskatchewan, contributing significantly to the economic prosperity of the province.
Saskatchewan is proud of its continued strength and diversity within the manufacturing sector. Curious to learn more? Visit InvestSK.ca.
For more information, contact:
Media Relations
Trade and Export Development
Regina
Phone: 306-526-6302
Email: media.ted@gov.sk.ca