New support for forestry-sector manufacturers in the province is creating sustainable jobs, strengthening local supply chains and establishing new made-in-B.C. products. Source: Province of BC
BRITISH COLUMBIA – The Province has announced that the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund (BCMJF), is contributing as much as $11 million toward four forestry-sector capital projects in the province. The support is enabling forestry-product manufacturers grow their businesses by constructing new production facilities, purchasing new equipment and adding new high-value product lines.
Greyback Construction Ltd. in Penticton, a commercial, residential and industrial construction contractor is diversifying into prefabricated housing construction. It will receive as much as $235,000 to renovate a former mill site and purchase equipment that will vertically integrate and streamline production of prefabricated exterior walls and floors while creating 12 jobs, helping to create more homes quicker in B.C.
“The financial support from the BC Manufacturing Job fund will enable Greyback Construction to invest in the revitalization of underutilized industrial space and add 12 well-paying jobs in the Okanagan Valley. This funding allows us to expand our investment in wood-frame prefabrication technology and manufacturing equipment. This increases our housing supply efficiency, strengthening B.C.’s construction and manufacturing sectors,” stated Terry Rodgers, project engineer with Greyback Construction Ltd.
Westlam Industries Ltd., based in Langley, is a wood-product manufacturer that specializes in construction-grade plywood. Westlam’s products play an important role in the housing and commercial building sector in B.C. and Canada, ensuring a strong local supply of key building materials. It will receive as much as $1.5 million to construct a new production facility and install new automated equipment that will introduce automation, improve fibre utilization, and increase output and productivity, while creating 46 jobs.
Also receiving funding is Spearhead Timberworks Inc. near Nelson, specializing in the design and fabrication of highly advanced timber architecture. Spearhead is strengthening its capabilities, backed by as much as $7.5 million from the B.C. government to drive its expansion. This includes construction of a new purpose-built facility and implementation of advanced technology that will increase its competitiveness on the international stage, adding state-of-the-art production lines for specialized curved and double-curved glulam. The project will strengthen Spearhead’s capacity to fabricate high-complexity, high-value timber projects using B.C. wood, while creating more than 60 skilled jobs in the Nelson area.
Castlegar’s Mercer Celgar Limited Partnership, a kraft pulp mill and biorefinery that produces premium pulp and generates bioenergy for the BC Hydro power grid, will receive as much as $1.75 million to modernize its small-log line and install equipment capable of processing smaller-diameter logs and a wider range of low-grade fibre. This investment will help maximize the value of fibre inputs and secure more than 400 jobs at the facility, making it one of the largest employers in the region.
Among other things, BCMJF has led to increased production of mass timber, engineered wood and bioproducts, with B.C.-based companies leading the way in innovative uses of waste wood, residuals and available fibre for high-value, high-demand products and exports.
Source: Province of BC news
