Released on May 12, 2006
SaskPower is recognizing a small business by presenting a Power of Business Award to Country Leathers Mfg. Ltd. The firm, located in Birch Hills, near Prince Albert, is this province's only manufacturer of leather gloves."I congratulate Country Leathers on supplying SaskPower with leather work gloves and mitts over the last seven years," Minister responsible for SaskPower John Nilson said at the company's headquarters. "Country Leathers has consistently supplied the corporation throughout these years because they provide quality products at competitive prices."
Gloves and mitts made by Country Leathers and sold to SaskPower are used mainly by power line technicians. They also supply specialized items used in the line trade.
"Country Leathers and approximately 5,000 other private-sector suppliers assist SaskPower in fulfilling its mission. That mission is to deliver power safely, reliably, cost-effectively and in an environmentally responsible manner," SaskPower Quality Assurance Supervisor Jim Mabee said.
Country Leathers has provided the corporation with leather gloves valued at more than $450,000 since 1999.
Along with the growth in business has come the addition of more staff, and investment in the community of Birch Hills. Country Leathers now employs nine full-time workers. And construction recently finished on a $200,000 expansion providing an additional 270 square metres of space.
SaskPower averages approximately 80 per cent of its purchases from local firms and over the last 23 years has purchased more than $4.5 billion in goods and services from Saskatchewan suppliers.
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For More Information, Contact:
| Larry Christie SaskPower Regina Phone: (306) 566-3167 Email: 1-888-536-0000 | Bob Cockwill Country Leathers Mfg. Ltd. Birch Hills Phone: (306) 749-2210 |