1946 – 2026 Watching Steinbach Grow: Barkman set for major expansion

NOVEMBER 4, 2010—Barkman Concrete is in the final planning stages of a major expansion to the company’s main manufacturing plant in Steinbach.

Preparation for the expansion is well underway, with construction expected to be completed next summer. Plans call for a 34,000-sq.-ft. addition to the west side of the main building for production along with a separate 12,000-sq.-ft. storage building.

The company recently changed its name to Barkman.

With the expansion, there will also be a redesign of the yard space to accommodate the new buildings and new landscaping along the front of the property facing Brandt Street.

Company president Alan Barkman said the expansion, representing an increase in manufacturing space of about 50 percent, is being driven by several strategic business initiatives that will see growth in new regions and with new product lines.

“We need to be ready and have the production capabilities to meet the demands of our customers. This expansion will assist us in doing that for several years to come. It is an exciting venture for both us as a company and to be able to grow as an employer within the community,” Barkman said.

One of the company’s newer products is a line of stone veneer used in residential and commercial construction. There are also new landscaping products, such as flower containers and ornamental pieces, manufactured through a concrete-spray process, which results in greatly reduced weight and easier transport to more distant markets.

Barkman achieved new sales records this year and there is optimism that this trend will continue into 2011.

The strong sales year has also resulted in the company’s hiring continuously throughout this past summer to accommodate increasing production requirements.

Barkman currently employs 180 people, with the majority of the workforce located in Steinbach. There are also production facilities in Winnipeg and Jordan, Minnesota, and sales staff in Alberta and British Columbia.

The company manufactures a wide range of concrete products ranging from its well-known paving stones and landscaping products to skateboard park components and agricultural products.