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Meridian Manufacturing® – About Us

About Us

Meridian's parent company, WGI Westman Group Inc., announced the acquisition of Prairie Steel on June 25, 2024. We are excited to welcome them to the WGI group of companies! Check back for more updates as they become available – please see the press release here.

Backed by 65 years experience, Meridian Manufacturing Inc. is a proven leader in quality storage and handling products for both agriculture and industry as well as the oil, gas and mining sectors. With our commitment to incorporating the latest technological innovations and our drive to set industrial standards, the Meridian product line-up is the best solution for storage and conveyance operations. Meridian continues to develop economical, reliable and environmentally responsible options for unsurpassed customer service.

In 1965 Meridian launched its first all welded smooth wall steel hopper bin from a small farming community in rural Manitoba under the Friesen brand. The Friesen Bin soon became the preferred alternative to the familiar galvanized corrugated bin, with manufacturing space expanded to meet the ever-growing demand. A subsidiary, with the autonomous identity of Wheatland Bins opened in Lethbridge, Alberta in 1979 with an additional sales office opening in Camrose, Alberta in 1984. Camrose was well suited logistically to expand the manufacturing capability of the growing business, therefore two years after opening a sales office in central Alberta, Camrose was manufacturing bins as well. Another satellite was launched in Storm Lake, Iowa in 1989, creating new markets throughout the United States. A larger, more permanent facility was built in Winkler, Manitoba in 1997, bringing employment opportunities for the growing community. The same year, Camrose moved into a new office and manufacturing complex, expanding the shop floor space to accommodate the continuing demand for hopper bins, both in the agricultural as well as commercial bulk storage.

Expansions and new innovations continued in all facilities, as powder coating ovens and self-contained sand blasting units were added to each shop. Industrial and agricultural ULC Petroleum tanks were also added to the Meridian product line. In 2002, WGI Westman Group Inc., purchased the Manitoba and Alberta production facilities with Storm Lake completing the acquisition in 2004. In 2007, all operations amalgamated and became known as Meridian Manufacturing Group, with product names such as Friesen, Wheatland, Stor-King, and Grain Max converging in 2008 under the strong recognizable Meridian brand. In 2013, Meridian announced its merger with Behlen and Sakundiak, sister companies to Meridian under WGI, benefiting Meridian with 150 years of combined experience as well as facilities in Regina, Saskatchewan and Brandon, Manitoba. The name Meridian Manufacturing Group was also changed to the new inclusive – Meridian Manufacturing Inc.

Today, Meridian is proud to bring you the most comprehensive line of premier storage and handling products available on the market. Meridian’s Winnipeg based parent company, WGI Westman Group Inc., is recognized as a platinum member of Canada’s Best Managed Companies.

Today Meridian Manufacturing Inc. consists of seven sister facilities, each accommodating a large sales region, but working congruently to benefit customers the world over. Meridian’s has expanded to include over 600,000 square feet of production space, four of North America's largest powder bake ovens, an extensive trucking fleet and over 1000 employees dedicated to meeting the needs of our invaluable customers and dealers.

Westman Group Inc. Companies

Artsppan Inc.

Artspan Inc.

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Artsppan Inc.

Behlen Industries

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Artsppan Inc.

Convey-All

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Scotia Metal

Scotia Metal

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Westman Steel

Westman Steel

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WGI Westman Group

WGI Westman Group

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Meridian Manufacturing® Through The Days

Meridian Manufacturinig® – Production process

1947

Sakundiak opens its first plant, with 3 employees, to manufacture disc harrows in Regina, Saskatchewan. Production soon changes to grain augers. The first auger manufactured was only 24’ long with a 6” diameter.

1965

Friesen launches its first all-welded, smooth-wall steel hopper bin in Southern Manitoba. The Friesen Bin quickly becomes the preferred alternative to corrugated, galvanized storage for seed, feed and fertilizer. Additional manufacturing space is soon added to meet the growing demand.

1974

Sakunkiak’s auger division moves to a new, expanded location near Regina, Saskatchewan. The added manufacturing floor space meets the demand for increasingly larger augers.

1977

Behlen introduces their line of flat floor, galvanized grain silos. This economical steel silo is the durable choice by farmers worldwide.

1989

The Friesen Bin organization opens a manufacturing facility in Storm Lake, Iowa. Their innovative Seed Tenders revolutionize spring planting in the American corn and soybean belt.

1998

Wheatland’s Lethbridge location designs and builds the largest powder coating oven in Western Canada.

2002

WGI Westman Group Inc. procures Meridian Industries Ltd. – Winkler, Manitoba, and Wheatland Bins Ltd. - including both the Camrose and Lethbridge, Alberta manufacturing locations.

2003

WGI Westman Group receives Platinum Status as one of Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies.

2004

WGI Westman Group Inc. completes the Meridian – Wheatland acquisition with the addition of Friesen USA in Storm Lake, Iowa.

2007

All operations merge and become known as Meridian Manufacturing Group.

2008

Meridian amalgamates their product line across North America under the Meridian brand, incorporating Friesen, Wheatland, Stor King, Grain Max and Friesen USA.

2012

Meridian, together with its mergers, has over 600,000 square feet of production space as well as more than 1000 employees.

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