It was in 1952 that Leon Malinowski, a young journeyman welder, took over his father's welding and blacksmithing shop in Bankend, Saskatchewan.

While in his shop, not only did he repair agricultural implements, but his innovative mind worked on improvements that could be made to the machines coming into his shop.

His training as a welder and a heavy diesel mechanic lead him to fabricate products for his farmer clients, such as water troughs and other small items that would make life easier for the farmer.

One of such inventions was a front end blade with a unique angle feature allowing it to be mounted on any tractor. Soon the manufacturing of this product grew to the extent that he was employing up to a dozen employees.

This resulted in a some major decisions that had to be made as the size and location of the small village of Bankend presented problems to his expanding organization. In 1967 he decided to move to Yorkton where he built an 8,000 square foot building on York Road.

To go into full time manufacturing versus maintenance was a real challenge, but as his brother Ray said, Leon thrives on challenges. The move was a big step, necessitated by factors such as distribution and marketing.

That year Ray, who was with Dunn and Bradstreet in Winnipeg, joined Leon in the operation, taking part of the load off Leon's shoulders. With the growth of the company, more support staff was required.

With Ray's assistance, Leon was able to devote his energy and his innovative skills to the development of products to meet the needs and serve the agriculture industry.

Product such as rear blades for tractors and land scrapers were manufactured in the plant.

In the early 80s the plant was manufacturing light construction equipment and the Ram Rod skid steer loader with a variety of attachments. Recently Leon introduced a special type of manure spreader.

In 1973 a separate operation, Ram Industries, which manufactures hydraulic cylinders, was established on York Road.

As the operation grew it was necessary to expand the plant four or five times from its original 8,000 square feet to the present 100,000 square feet, and its employees from the original dozen to the present 100-plus.

As the operation developed the product was distributed beyond the traditional regional area and steps were taken to build a dealership network in the United States and Europe.

When Leon started operating in Yorkton, there was a shortage of welders and at the same time there were many young men seeking work but lacking skills required for his plant. He met this challenge by deciding to start up a welding school on his own premises. He took on a number of young men, giving them formal instruction and sponsoring an apprenticeship program.

He continued to encourage young people to learn new skills and participated in programs that encouraged and provided these skills.

While not personally actively engaged in community activities, Leon has encouraged his staff to participate in community, provincial and national organizations. With his encouragement, his staff participates in various manufacturing and agricultural groups.

The basic success of Leon's Manufacturing has been Leon's innovative ability coupled with his determined "never give up" attitude. He sees an opportunity and works to see its fruition. He encourages his staff to bring new ideas forward. He has the ability to keep up with the times.

For relaxation Leon has his music. A noted oldtime fiddler, he has released his own CD. Each year he participates in music programs at Emma Lake and is a member of a local group that entertains at senior and nursing homes.

After 50 years in business, Leon is encouraging family members to take over. His foresight and planning is developing a management structure that is ready for a seamless takeover in the future.