Saskatchewan Minerals Inc. Named One of Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies

CHAPLIN, SK, Feb. 16 /CNW/ - Saskatchewan Minerals Inc., a world leader in the production of sodium sulphate, has been announced today as one of Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies for 2009. This esteemed national award program honours Canadian private companies that demonstrate the highest levels of business excellence on several key metrics. Now in its 17th year, the program is sponsored by Deloitte, CIBC Commercial Banking, National Post, and Queen's School of Business.

Saskatchewan Minerals Inc. was chosen from hundreds of applicants across the country as part of a rigorous screening process that selected the 50 best companies, based on criteria of company performance, growth, leadership, vision, dedication to core competencies and innovation.

"We would like to congratulate Saskatchewan Minerals Inc. and its entire workforce. Achieving Canada's highest level of Canadian business excellence takes a united effort, and we are privileged to acknowledge such a strong team," said Randy Jeworski, Saskatchewan Regional Best Managed Award Program Leader for Deloitte, a national sponsor of the Best Managed program.

"We are truly proud to be named one of Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies," said Rodney McCann, President and CEO of Saskatchewan Minerals Inc. "This award speaks to the strength of our Saskatchewan Minerals family. From our plant in Chaplin, we're leading the market in the production of the highest-quality natural sodium sulphate. Our customers have come to expect excellence - in both our product and our service. This prestigious award honours the dedication, integrity and commitment of our entire team."

The complete list of Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies for 2009 was announced today in a special supplement of the National Post. Winners of Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies award will be honoured at the annual Best Managed gala in Toronto on March 8, 2010.

About Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies program

Established in 1993, Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies is a national awards program recognizing Canadian companies that have implemented world-class business practices and created value in innovative ways. Applications are reviewed by an independent judging panel that evaluates how companies address various business challenges, including new technologies, globalization, brand management, leadership, leveraging and developing core competencies, designing information systems, and hiring the right talent to facilitate growth.

About Saskatchewan Minerals Inc.

Saskatchewan Minerals Inc. is an innovative, efficient and environmentally responsible world leader in the production of sodium sulphate. Over 80 domestic and international customers use Saskatchewan Minerals' sodium sulphate in the production of detergents, pulp and paper, glass, textiles, starch, carpet deodorizers and livestock mineral feed. In August 2009, Saskatchewan Minerals celebrated the production of the 10,000,000th ton of sodium sulphate shipped during 61 years of business. Saskatchewan Minerals Inc. is a privately held company.

For further information: Brent Hironaka, CFO, Saskatchewan Minerals Inc., [phone] Ext. 316, [email protected], www.saskatchewanminerals.com