Archived News Releases

News Release - Manitoba

February 4, 2013

Manitoba Expanding Business with India: Selinger

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Ties Strengthened Through Westeel, MTM-Kirpekar, Riya Travel

DELHI, India—At the official residence of the Canadian High Commissioner in India, Premier Greg Selinger congratulated Manitoba firms who are growing their business with India and welcomed a major Indian firm that has established a Canadian headquarters in Winnipeg.

“India is one of the world’s fastest growing economies and with our strong cultural and business connections, there’s huge potential for greater trade between our economies,” said Selinger.  “Homegrown companies like Westeel and MTM are thriving and sharing Manitoban expertise with India, helping store their grains and foods, and power their homes and businesses.  And Indian firms like Riya Travel are taking advantage of opportunities in Manitoba.”

Westeel, a leader in the commercial storage industry, announced it will open an office in Mumbai to share its expertise in agricultural storage to help Indian producers preserve more of their harvest and better protect India’s food supply.  Westeel participated in a Manitoba trade mission to India in 2006 and were introduced to key contacts in India’s private sector and state governments, through the Manitoba Trade and Investment office.

“Westeel is very pleased to have the opportunity to support the need for crop storage in India.  We recognize the enormous potential of the India grain storage market and we hope that through our office in Mumbai, we will be better positioned to serve the market needs,” said André Granger Westeel president.  “I would like to personally thank Premier Selinger and the province of Manitoba for the support they have provided as we continue to expand our business.”

Micro Tool & Machine Ltd. (MTM) of Winnipeg and Kirpekar Engineering of Pune announced the creation of a joint venture company, MTM-Kirpekar, to design and manufacture advanced transformer production equipment for the Indian market.  MTM participated in a Manitoba trade mission to India in 2010 when it first made contact with Kirpekar Engineering and has worked with Manitoba Trade and Investment to make its entry into the Indian market.

“India holds amazing potential for MTM.  In the last year, our presence in the Indian market has grown through the support and hard work of our partner, Kirpekar Engineering and Manitoba Trade and Investment.  MTM sees India as a continued growth area in the coming years and as a foothold to the entire Asian market,” said Gord Atamanchuk, MTM general manager.

Riya Travel, one of India’s largest travel companies, also announced the official opening of its Canadian headquarters in Winnipeg to grow its Canadian operations.  Manitoba Trade and Investment has worked closely with Riya Travel since 2012 including developing a comprehensive industry analysis to demonstrate the benefits of establishing Riya’s Canadian headquarters in Manitoba.

“With as many as 17,000 Manitobans traveling to India each year, Manitoba presents significant opportunities for Riya Travel.  Located in the heart of Canada, Manitoba is the ideal location for us to expand our operations across Canada,” said Benson Samuel, CEO of Riya Travel.

“Greater trade and business with economies like India’s is key to keeping Manitoba’s economy moving forward through the economic uncertainty,” said Selinger.  “As I’ve met with elected officials and business leaders in India, one thing is clear – Manitoba firms have expertise the Indian economy needs and together we can create tremendous new opportunities.”

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