Local manufacturers are flocking to Winkler's new Clover Creek Industrial Park.

Icon Technologies Ltd. is one of many making the move to the new park taking shape East of Eastview Drive. Construction has begun on a 100,000 sq. ft. facility on a 17 acre lot in Clover Creek.

Business Developer with Icon Technologies Harv Giesbrecht says with a thriving RV market across North America demand for their custom made parts has increased. It's led to the need for expansion.

However, he notes they've since had multiple requests to move the business to the U.S.

"That's where the end users are, and there was some pressure to put on an American address," he says. "But there is a strong commitment by the owner to keep the business in Canada."

He notes Winkler remains a vibrant and unique place to do business.

"The pieces are all here for anyone to set up a successful business in almost every industry," he says.

To best describe Winkler, Giesbrecht pulls on the traditional language of Low German, calling the manufacturing sector, "a big schmaede" (Low German term for an old blacksmith shop).

Businesses on arterial roads through the new industrial park, Clover Creek, are asked to create a fresh, inviting look for their buildings"You've got a problem? Bring it on over, we'll invent a way to solve your problem. If we can't use known technology, we'll make our own."

"I've seen that over and over in this town," he says.

While many local companies wouldn't brag, Giesbrecht says Winkler produces high quality work in a variety of industries, and many business owners aren't afraid of walking down the street to seek advice or help.

"It's a really rich place to do business," he says. "There was a lot of advantages in staying here."

Along with a strong, collaborative manufacturing base, he says the city has provided a space large enough to thrive and expand with Clover Creek.

City Council also recently implemented higher visual standards for businesses moving into the most visible lots of the industrial park.

"We still have properties available for start-up businesses, but we want to have an industrial park we can be proud of," Winkler Mayor Martin Harder says. "So people coming to the community can say "this is a progressive community," and the buildings reflect that."

Council recently approved a variance for an expanded driveway for the Icon Technologies facility.

"Again, trying to resolve a situation with a business who is investing an awful lot of money into Winkler and providing a lot of jobs," Harder says.

Icon Technologies will be moving its 40 employees to their new 100,000 sq. ft facility as soon as it's completed. Their current building is 45,000 sq. ft.

File photo. In one year Clover Creek has seen rapid expansion

Another business that has gone to extra lengths to create a visually appealing exterior in Clover Creek

Construction continues on Icon Technologies' new facility