IPSCO's migration toward higher value-added products and services goes hand in hand with our efforts to build stronger customer relationships. During the past year, we have continued to increase direct sales and build a stronger brand presence in the market by working more collaboratively with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), as well as service centers and distributors. Former NS Group operations are similarly focused. The advanced performance properties of Ultra's^TM patented connections have earned a high degree of customer loyalty and our small diameter seamless pipe has achieved a leading market share in the energy tubular market. Strong customer relationships are also very much in evidence in our plate and coil businesses. In 2006, IPSCO achieved the industry's #1 ranking in overall satisfaction, quality, service and on-time delivery in an independent survey of our plate customers.

OVERALL CUSTOMER SERVICE RATING IPSCO is growing its lead over competitors in overall customer satisfaction, according to an independent survey of IPSCO's plate customers from 2001 to 2006. Source: Jacobson & Associates, overall customer satisfaction rating