Doepker Industries to be named to Sask. Business Hall of Fame

After 60 years in operation, Doepker Industries, which has a facility in Moose Jaw, will be named into the Saskatchewan Business Hall of Fame during the 2008 Achievement for Business Excellence (ABEX) Awards in Regina on Oct. 25.
Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce CEO Steve McLellan said the provincial chamber is very proud to welcome the company, which manufactures semi-trailers and grain haulers, into the hall of fame.
"Doepker is truly a cornerstone business in Saskatchewan, one that has a strong, positive reputation both inside and outside the province," he said in a press release Tuesday.
Dave Doepker, Doepker Industries executive chairman, said it's a great honour for the company to receive such a prestigious designation from the provincial business community.
He said six brothers, including his father, founded the company as a blacksmith/machining shop in 1948. One of them, retired Donald Doepker, will attend the upcoming ABEX Awards.
"(Donald) feels great. He was really taken up with that," Dave said about his uncle's reaction to the induction.
Doepker Industries currently employs 350 people across Saskatchewan as well as in British Columbia.
The company has three manufacturing facilities with one each in Moose Jaw, Annaheim and Saskatoon.
Aside from providing employment, Dave said the company provides spinoff business opportunities for suppliers, as well as provides a service to customers, in particular within the agriculture industry.
"We're looking forward to another 60 years, with a good customer base."
Doepker Industries is one of two Saskatchewan businesses to receive the ABEX Business of the Year Award twice, receiving that honour both in 1989 and again in 2001.

Carter Haydu can be reached at 691-1265.