By KEVIN BERGER, Local Journalism Initiative
Legislative Secretary to the Minister Responsible for Trade and Export Development and Martensville-Blairmore MLA Jamie Martens brought greetings on behalf of the province at a ground-breaking ceremony on Monday, February 23 for a new $51 million purpose-built mechanical cutting, parts and services facility on the north end of Saskatoon.
The new 51,000 square foot facility is being constructed east of Highway 11 and north of Marquis Drive in the North Marquis Industrial Area of Saskatoon.
The company building the facility is called Sandvik, which already operates in the Saskatoon area.
It is intended to bring its mechanical cutting, parts and services, and aftermarket support services under one roof to drive efficiency and collaboration, and is expected to be operational in the fourth quarter of 2026.
Peter Corcoran, Vice President of Sales Area Canada for Sandvik, said this facility reflects a long-term commitment to the Canadian mining sector and represents a strategic step in strengthening their operational footprint within the country.
He noted that Saskatchewan’s strong mining activity, particularly in potash, uranium, and now gold and copper, combined with Canada’s stable business environment, made this major investment “a natural step in the next phase of our growth.”
He said this facility will enable Sandvik to support safer and more sustainable mining and tunneling operations across central and western Canada, as well as create new core positions in Sakatoon to support component and equipment repairs, strengthen their service capabilities and generate new employment opportunities in Saskatoon.
Corcoran also stressed that they are committed to strengthening collaboration with local Indigenous communities, regional supply chain partners and post-secondary institutions, including the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies, to support skill development, workforce participation and long-term economic inclusion.
“I would also like to acknowledge the strong collaboration from Invest Canada and from the Saskatchewan provincial partners throughout this process. Their professionalism and partnership reinforced Sandvik’s confidence that Canada is a competitive and supportive environment for advanced manufacturing and mining innovation,” he said.
“Today is more than about breaking ground. It’s about reinforcing our commitment to our customers … our partners and to this community.”
During her speech, Martens noted that Sandvik’s investment reflects the confidence the company has in the province and its mining industry.
“And they have confidence in us for good reason. For 2025, private capital investment in the province is expected to reach $16.2 billion, an increase of 10.1% over 2024,” she said.
“And the good news doesn’t stop there. The latest GDP numbers show Saskatchewan’s 2024 GDP reached an all-time high of $83.6 billion. This…put Saskatchewan second in the nation for real GDP growth.
“And what do those numbers really mean? Well, they mean that Saskatchewan continues to be private sectors’ jurisdiction of choice above all others in Canada. It means not only that Saskatchewan is open for business, but it also means business is booming,” Martens said.
She also discussed how Saskatchewan is aiming to drive growth with its “Securing the Future: Saskatchewan Critical Minerals Strategy.”
“Through this strategy, we are committed to increasing Saskatchewan’s share of Canadian mineral exploitation spending to 15% by 2030, doubling the number of critical minerals being produced in Saskatchewan and growing provincial production of potash, uranium and helium,” she said. “And Sandvik’s investment will help us boost the sector even further.”
Joined by several other company representatives and dignitaries, Martensville-Blairmore MLA Jamie Martens (centre) throws out a shovel full of dirt to mark the start of construction on a new $51 million facility being built by Sandvik in the North Marquis Industrial Area of Saskatoon. This ground-breaking ceremony took place at noon on Monday, February 23. To Martens’ left are David Hickson, Business Line Manager – Mechanical Cutting for Sandvik, and Thomas Vallant, President of Division – Mechanical Cutting. To her right is City of Saskatoon Mayor Cynthia Block and Sandvik Mining Vice President of Sales Area Canada Peter Corcoran.