Alberta’s government is ensuring the province is one of the most desirable places to do business in North America and is attracting investments that help drive economic growth. This includes a new $7-million investment in Medicine Hat from S3 Group, which will create an estimated 100 permanent and 14 temporary jobs for Albertans.
Saskatchewan-based S3 Group builds tynes, harrows, air seeder blowers and other custom equipment. The new 22,000-square-foot facility is projected to be manufacture-ready at the end of 2023. S3 Group also plans to establish an engineering centre of excellence in Medicine Hat by 2028 to support new product development.
“Medicine Hat and southeast Alberta have a vibrant agriculture sector that will no doubt benefit from having S3 Group’s equipment and manufacturing expertise in its own backyard. We know Alberta is the economic engine of Canada and that is because of companies like S3 Group that see value in growing their business into Alberta. It is investments like these that help strengthen our local and provincial economies and make this province a great place to live, work and raise a family."
The government’s Investment and Growth Fund is a deal-closing fund meant to help provide an additional incentive for companies considering investing in Alberta. S3 Group will receive $1.3 million to grow their company into Medicine Hat.
L to R: Justin Wright, MLA for Cypress-Medicine Hat; Linnsie Clark, Mayor of Medicine Hat; Richelle Andreas, CEO of S3 Group; Danielle Smith, Premier of Alberta; Matt Jones, Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade; and Rick Christiaanse, CEO of Invest Alberta.
The Investment and Growth Fund was established in 2021 and S3 Group is the 10th company supported by it. For every $1 million that the fund contributes, more than $70 million is forecast to be spent in the province.
“Alberta has an exciting story to tell, and our government is thrilled that S3 Group is a part of it. Their decision to expand into Medicine Hat is proof that our business and investment-friendly policies are working. Together, we are helping to create valuable jobs for Albertans and strengthening our economy.”
“With companies like S3 Group expanding their operations in rural Alberta, I am confident that agriculture will continue to be a key driver for economic growth in our province. By supporting the development of a new facility in Medicine Hat, Alberta’s government is ensuring our producers can operate at capacity and meet demands for their top-notch products.”
“The Government of Alberta's investment in the IGF program demonstrates a commitment to economic growth, diversification of the economy, and providing employment opportunities for the people of Alberta. While working with the teams at Invest Alberta, the City of Medicine Hat and other regional stakeholders, it was striking how much they genuinely wanted to help our project succeed. For that, I am grateful. It reassures me that expanding into southeast Alberta was the right decision.”
Budget 2023 provides $15 million over three years to the fund – $10 million is dedicated to the core stream and $5 million to the rural stream. This will ensure all corners of Alberta can attract high-impact investment. Funding for S3 Group comes from the Investment and Growth Fund’s rural stream, which helps areas outside major centres attract key investments.
“We are thrilled that both S3 Group and the province of Alberta have chosen to invest in Medicine Hat. I had the opportunity to meet with the leadership of S3 Group and learn about their business, corporate culture and values – and I know they are going to be an amazing partner and asset in our community and region. We are very grateful for the support that the Alberta government provided through the IGF to help make this amazing opportunity a reality.”
"S3 Group's decision to establish a new manufacturing facility in Medicine Hat is further proof that Alberta's business-friendly policies are attracting high-value investments across the province. This $7- million project, supported by $1.3 million from the Investment and Growth Fund, will create an estimated 100 permanent and 14 temporary jobs, strengthening southeast Alberta's vibrant agriculture and manufacturing sector."
As S3 Group’s Investment and Growth Fund intake partner, Invest Alberta Corporation has played a crucial role in supporting this venture every step of the way. The arms-length government agency helps identify and pursue high-value, job-creating private sector investment. It also promotes Alberta as a prime investment location for businesses from across Canada and around the world.
“The expansion by S3 Group into Alberta shows that the province has what investors are looking for: skilled workers, access to markets, and a collaborative, innovative sector. The collaborations between S3 Group, the province, the city and Invest Alberta are bringing long-term benefits to sustainable farming that will not only create jobs but also strengthen Alberta’s position as a hub for innovation.”
Quick facts
- The Investment and Growth Fund (IGF) is a targeted investment program created by the Government of Alberta.
- The IGF is designed to be offered in select late-stage investment discussions by six intake partners, one of which is Invest Alberta Corporation.
- Recent investments supported by IGF funding include:
- English Bay constructing a 100,000-square-foot factory in Stony Plain, creating 70 new permanent jobs and 90 construction jobs.
- Applexus Technologies establishing its Canadian headquarters in Calgary, creating 125 permanent jobs.
- Siwin Foods, expanding with a new food production facility, creating 50 permanent jobs and 50 construction jobs in Edmonton.
- Southland Trailers expanding its operations and doubling its production capacity in Lethbridge County, creating 253 permanent and 25 construction jobs.