SMS Equipment, Canada’s largest Komatsu equipment dealer and a leading rental company, has launched a campaign to hire hundreds of new employees, primarily welders and heavy equipment technicians in the coming months, the Edmonton Journal is reporting. The effort will begin next week in Acheson, west of Edmonton, and will continue through late November.

The recruitment effort is in response to an expected labor shortage over the next year in Alberta as oil sands projects ramp up. SMS plans to recruit at more than 50 upcoming events including the Edmonton Indy, the Fort McMurray Oil Sands Trade Show, St. Albert Kinsmen Rainmaker Rodeo and the Pacific Construction Equipment Show.

Based in Acheson, Alberta, SMS Equipment is No. 52 on the RER 100.