Loewen invests in community, adds shift to Steinbach plant

March 9th, 2005

Steinbach, MB – In a commitment to the people and economy of Southeastern Manitoba, Loewen announces the addition of a weekend shift.

“We have reached a point where, to meet our commitments to our dealer partners for on-time delivery, we must increase plant capacity. This means one of three things – more plant space in Steinbach, more plant space in other locations or more people working in Steinbach. We have chosen once again to invest in the people, the work ethic and the proven skills of our workforce and add a third shift to our operation,” said Charles Loewen, CEO and Board Chairman.

“A key aspect of our planning was to arrange shift hours to allow weekend activities, such as church attendance, to go on without interference,” continued Loewen. “This is an example of the many critical cultural and people issues we considered as we developed the Loewen plan for the weekend shift.”

Commencing April 1, the new weekend shift will run Friday from 4:30 p.m to 4:30 a.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 6:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. Employees on the three 12-hour shifts will be paid for 40 hours plus a 10 per cent evening premium.

“It’s not for everyone, but our staff is filled with energetic, ambitious people who are sure to take an interest in the weekend opportunity,” said Barry Dyck, Human Resources Systems Manager and Implementation Team Leader. “We have surveyed our employees to develop a shift that balances their needs, beliefs and commitments; creates opportunities for advancement; and meets the demands of our customers for quality products.”

For luxury homeowners – and the designers, architects and builders they employ – Loewen is the wood window and door brand that delivers an unrivaled combination of artisanship and innovative, relevant design leadership in an extensive line of Douglas Fir and new Mahogany products.

A privately held Canadian corporation, Loewen has distribution around the world with a focus on the United States, Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom and Latin America.

Loewen celebrates its Centennial year in business in 2005.

Discover more at www.loewen.com.