Saskatchewan has the world’s best potash supply chain for several reasons. The simple reason is, “Take a look at how much potash we produce!” The deeper reason, which is the actual why it’s the best, takes a bit of unpacking.
If we go back to the beginning, we began producing potash here in 1958, with the 1960s seeing things really take-off. And, by the way, the mines’ construction costs back then ranged from $60 to $90 million. So, we have over 60 years of experience and have had a lot of time for our supply chain to be developed – that helps. But, that does not guarantee success.
One reason for our success – beyond time and great deposits – is that while we sometimes do not think of ourselves as innovators, we always have been. The process that keeps repeating is; when we see a problem we fix it, or we always work to make things better. The innovation is in the problem solving itself and the tweaking of systems. This series of actions and our humble thoughts about it, combined, lead to ongoing success. So, we are problem solvers relentlessly pursuing improvements.
We also work towards solutions together without even realizing it at times. Direct competitors will share a laydown site – that’s an easy one to spot. The subtle one is when competitors sit together with a buyer to discuss business and share ideas.
The Saskatchewan Industrial and Mining Suppliers Association (SIMSA) regularly host Roundtable events where the procurement arm and executives from a major potash producer meets with SIMSA’s members for a day. These events casually see competing suppliers sit next to each other and discuss solutions with the potash producer. The format works and the proof is in SIMSA’s continued membership growth, stemming directly from these events.
As an example, the event pictured below occurred with Nutrien – the world’s largest fertilizer producer. At this event, hundreds of competitors sat with each other to discuss Nutrien’s various sites in Saskatchewan, with 50 people from Nutrien. This type of event has become a tradition between Nutrien and SIMSA; one based upon mutual success.
