Kevin Gjertsen, President of Kristian Electric Ltd, explains the company’s journey: “When we opened in Saskatoon, our focus was clear—we sell, service, and repair overhead cranes and welding equipment, including plasma cutters.We aim to support industrial shops, from mining to steel fabrication.” The Saskatoon branch, launched on May 1st, 2014, marked a significant milestone for Kristian Electric. Trent Haduik, the branch manager, shares the backstory. “We had a fantastic opportunity when a company I worked for decided to retire. We joined forces, bringing in experienced hands like Pierre, who merged his business with ours. We started strong, deeply rooted in the local community.” Haduik emphasizes the company’s customercentric approach. “Our model is simple—acquire a customer and treat them right. We aim for lifelong relationships, not just one-off jobs. It’s about always doing right by our clients.” The company’s service portfolio is extensive. “We handle welder repairs and service plasma cutters. We also sell top brands like Miller Electric and Hypertherm. Our overhead crane division is another critical area—we service and sell these cranes, ensuring they operate smoothly around the clock,” Haduik elaborates. INNOVATION AND ECONOMIC IMPACT ON MINING Kristian Electric.’s operations extend far beyond selling and servicing overhead cranes and welding equipment; it is intricately linked to the economic heartbeat of Saskatchewan’s mining industry. The company’s services are crucial for the smooth functioning of mining operations, a significant economic driver in the province. Haduik comments on the burgeoning mining activities in Saskatchewan. “Yes, the mining in Saskatchewan, especially with potash, uranium, and rare earth metals, is ramping up. It’s becoming increasingly busy, which is great for the economy and us. We’ve seen a significant uptick in business due to this growth.” The impact of mining on the local economy cannot 125 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 08 KRISTIAN ELECTRIC
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