SASKATOON, Sask. — Pavement Scientific International (PSI) has opened a new high-tech lab facility in Saskatoon, where the company will continue developing road-strengthening solutions.

PSI has been gaining worldwide recognition for its work at strengthening the sub-structures of existing highways in a cost-effective and long-lasting manner. The company uses cement and other blended materials to stabilize the road bed, allowing it to better accommodate today’s volume of truck traffic.

“PSI is another Saskatchewan success story that will have a positive impact on the business world,” says Saskatchewan’s Transportation Minister, Mark Wartman. “This company sells engineering technology in a competitive national and international marketplace, but prefers to be a centre of excellence from its Saskatchewan base.”

Last year, a deal was reached between PSI and the province to strengthen at least 350-kilometres of highways in Saskatchewan by 2007.

“Saskatchewan is a great place to develop a business as I experienced much support and interest in PSI’s technology, especially from Saskatchewan Highways and Transportation,” PSI president, Curtis Berthelot says. “We’ve tested our technology with the department using pilot projects on Saskatchewan highways and have seen positive results. We are now selling the technology outside of Saskatchewan from our Saskatoon base.”