Another Winkler business is expanding into the city's growing Clover Creek industrial park.

Steel Tech officials say they've outgrown their current 12,000 sq. ft. location and are building a 35,000 sq. ft. facility on a 10 acre lot on Monticello Way. Steel Tech manufactures outdoor wood and coal burning furnaces for residential homes and commercial buildings.

President Jake Friesen explains as energy prices rise and people look for more green alternatives the demand for their products are growing, "and we're growing with it." The expansion will hope to quadruple their production rate.

Friesen notes they also hope to double their staff in the next year to keep up with the North American demand. However, he says it's not just their business finding success, but it's part of a greater trend in the region.

"The economy is thriving and we're part of the momentum," he says. "I don't think you can find a better place in North America when it comes to the workforce we have here."

Steel Tech staff at the new site in Clover Creek

The new building is expected to be complete in spring 2019. The investment is part of an ongoing expansion in the industrial park.

This summer the city is tackling a $617,000 concrete overlay project in the area.

"It will change the landscape of Clover Creek, we'll see that continue to develop," Mayor Martin Harder says, noting they've sold more lots to the east of Eastview Dr.

One of the major projects and manufacturers flocking to the new industrial park is Icon Technologies. The company recently celebrated its grand opening of their new 100,000 sq. ft. production facility across the street from Steel Tech.

The growth is propelling a jump in permit values so far in 2018 as well. The region's planning district, MSTW, reports Winkler is leading the pack with a whopping $33 million in permits in the year's first quarter.

Related article: Winkler Manufacturer Sales Up 800 Percent, Opens 105K Sq. Ft. Facility

The city recently approved a paving project for Clover Creek