The year just ended was a mixed bag for industry in Weyburn. One enjoyed a great year in spite of a substantial increase in the price of its primary material, while another maintained consistent sales and growing interest in its products.

Del Stewart, of Stewart Steel Inc., said recently a drastic increase in the price of steel last year, because of high demand in China, was a major problem for consumers. They had to pay more for all products made of steel, he said.

But because of the unique products it makes, the high quality, and its growing international reputation, Stewart Steel's business is snowballing, he said.

Business is very good for agricultural products in many international companies although it's not so good at home, said Stewart. Here, there are a lot of problems with crops and BSE but other areas in the world are doing well, he said.

His company, located at the Weyburn airport, began exporting a specific new product for combines to Australia last year, while exports to the U.S., Denmark and the European market continue to increase.

"Christmas is often a slower part of the year for us but not this year. We had jobs to do even between Christmas and New Year's and it continued right on into January this year," he said.

Stewart said all the factors look positive and he's looking for another very good year in 2005. The high dollar makes it more difficult to compete with U.S. companies, he said, "but there is still a demand for our high quality product."

The general manager for Duraco Window Industries Inc. said 2004 wasn't a banner year, but the market is steady and expected to pick up as dealers and consumers see the quality of their products.

Duraco introduced a new line of patio and garden doors last year and it takes time for people to pick it up, said Matthew Guberman, from head office in Winnipeg.

"Quality is very important for windows and doors in our harsh climate," he said. "What really matters is how they are insulated." Homeowners should only have to replace these things once, he said.

The Weyburn manufacturing plant is 12,000 square feet, where every window is custom-made within three weeks. The company is the mid-sized window supplier, specializing in the renovation market where every window is different, he said.

"Current market trends forecast a six per cent growth in Canada in that area," said Guberman. "More and more people will be spending more money on their homes."

Duraco ships smaller amounts of its product into the U.S. so the high Canadian dollar is not a great detriment to its business, he said.

The Weyburn company employs about 8-10 people during this slow period of the year and 14-15 people during the busy seasons in spring and fall. The company will be hiring again soon, said the manager.