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Salmon Arm secures multi million dollar manufacturing company

"[Doepker Industries expansion to Salmon Arm] is a perfect example of why Economic Development is a good value for tax payers and an organization that needs continued support at an existing or higher level." Councillor Kevin Flynn

Doepker Industries Ltd., a Saskatchewan based family business founded in 1948, has recently announced its plans to expand to Salmon Arm this fall. The company intends to begin production in Salmon Arm in October 2005. Doepker currently operates three plants in Saskatchewan, employing a total of 360 people. The company caters to a variety of industries, manufacturing highway trailers for agriculture, commercial, industrial, forestry, oil, construction, and specialty use.

Doepker representatives have been working with the Salmon Economic Development office since mid-June on a potential expansion to the City. Salmon Arm Councillor Kevin Flynn commented that "It is a huge feather in the cap of Neil [Babiy] and the staff [at the Economic Development Office] to have provided the information and support [Doepker] needed to make the decision to move to Salmon Arm. What I have seen of this company makes a perfect fit for Salmon Arm and it is truly an exciting opportunity."

Doepker's western expansion will serve to meet increasing demands of the Western Canadian Market; currently they have 1 year worth of sales in cycle. Doepker's President, Gurcan Kocdag, stated that there are four key reasons for choosing Salmon Arm as an expansion location: the proximity to the markets, the cost of business operations, the infrastructure, and the access to an existing/ skilled labour force.

A recognized manufacturing leader throughout Western Canada, Doepker was named "Saskatchewan Business of the Year" in 1989 and 2001. Doepker prides itself on its strong work ethic, customer focused approach and rural family values. In fact, they are an industry leader in not only products but also "in overall workplace atmosphere, worker performance and business ethics". The values and work ethic of the company are contained within the company's motto, "Do it right the first time, on time". Initially, the company plans to employ 36 production workers and 8 management employees in Salmon Arm, with intentions to increase total employment to 50 employees by the end of this year. Their future here looks even more prosperous, with an ultimate goal of 100-120 total employees. In terms of production, Doepker representatives foresee their Salmon Arm plant producing 65 trailers per month, which will equate to approximately 35% of their overall production.

The company's expansion to Salmon Arm is in tune with their goals of expanding business operations throughout Canada and the US; currently they market through 16 dealerships in Western Canada, and are pursuing both Eastern Canada and U.S. markets.