QUALITY STEEL RECEIVES POWER OF BUSINESS AWARD

Released on February 14, 2003

A valued SaskPower supplier is being presented with a Power of Business award by SaskPower. Crown Investments Corporation Minister Maynard Sonntag presented an award to Quality Steel Foundries (Sask.) Ltd. at the company's operations in Saskatoon.

"SaskPower's efforts to work with local suppliers encourages investment and jobs right here in Saskatchewan," Sonntag said. "Benefits flow to local economies as well as the province as a whole."

SaskPower averages over 80 per cent of its purchases from local firms and over the last 20 years has purchased nearly $4 billion in goods and services from Saskatchewan suppliers.

This is the 13th Power of Business award presented since 1999. The award recognizes the important role local firms play in SaskPower's success, as well as their contribution to the Saskatchewan economy.

In 1991, Quality Steel began operating an existing foundry in Saskatoon that was previously idle. Making cast steel parts for the cement and mining industries as well as other customers, Quality Steel began with a staff of 16 and now employs 52 people.

Since 1993, Quality Steel has completed approximately $1 million worth of work for SaskPower. They currently supply approximately 150 different types of parts to SaskPower for its coal-fired electric generating stations.

Approximately 80 per cent of the company's output is exported outside of Saskatchewan. Half of its exports are destined for customers in the United States.

"SaskPower is a valued customer and the list of parts we make for them grows steadily," President of Quality Steel Dwight Adamic said. "As with all our customers, we're willing to see what they need and work with them to provide it."

Adamic said the company is proud to produce tailor-made products right in Saskatchewan. "We've been able to show that quality products can be made at home."

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For More Information, Contact:

Larry Christie SaskPower Regina Phone: (306)566-3167 Cell: 1-888-536-0000

Dwayne Micklich Quality Steel Edmonton Phone: (780)975-6829