Photo credit: islandprecision.com
BRITISH COLUMBIA – A total of nine value-added forestry companies will be receiving a combined $2.5 million from the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund (BCMJF).
Canadian Bavarian Millwork and Lumber Ltd. in Chemainus will receive as much as $1.4 million to help build its new facility and buy advanced equipment. These upgrades will boost production capacity and expand the use of fibre to produce new solid and engineered wood products. This will include training for current staff on state-of-the art, AI-enabled features of new machinery, and lay the groundwork for long-term growth and innovation.
“We are honoured to receive support from the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund, which will help us modernize and expand our operations in Chemainus,” says owner Georg Woernle.
The BCMJF has partnered with 74 forestry-product manufacturers, dedicating more than $90.5 million to the industry.
“Funding from the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund has enabled Leslie Forest Products to invest in advanced technology that increases efficiency, supports sustainability and creates good local jobs,” says Ron Sangara, President of Leslie Forest Produxts Ltd.
Leslie Forest Products manufactures a broad range of lumber products. It is receiving as much as $420,000 to buy and commission new equipment that will optimize production and efficiency, diversify their fibre inputs and significantly reduce waste, enabling it to upskill existing employees and create three new jobs.
Jeff Popham, president of Island Precision Manufacturing Ltd. in Central Saanich states “We are excited to be upgrading our manufacturing capacity with two new advanced wood-processing machines and the assistance of the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund. This equipment will allow us to produce more parts to finer tolerances with less downtime – and serve our customers better.”
Island Precision Machining is a manufacturer of architectural millwork and cabinetry. It is receiving as much as $124,000 toward buying new, advanced equipment that will increase production capacity and help meet product demand. This project will create 12 jobs.
Additional BCMJF investments include:
Deroche – F&T Technologies Inc. (F&T) is commercializing a proprietary biopolymer technology that transforms conventional wood-based materials into waterproof, fire-resistant and mould-proof solutions. F&T is located on Leq’á:mel First Nation lands and will receive as much as $350,000 to establish a full-scale manufacturing facility and create six jobs.
Surrey – Riverside Forest Products is a lumber manufacturer and will receive as much as $50,000 to conduct planning activities for a potential capital project.
Powell River – homeD Modular Building Technologies uses a proprietary component-based building system known as BoxPods that can be rapidly configured, stacked and scaled to meet diverse community needs. homeD is receiving as much as $50,000 to complete planning and technical assessments for a next-generation manufacturing hub in British Columbia.
Also in Powell River, Tla’amin Timber Products Ltd. operates on behalf of the ɬaʔamɩn Nation and supports the management of its forestry operations. It is receiving as much as $38,725 to conduct planning required for the construction of a value-added processing facility.
Terrace – Kitsumkalum Development Limited Partnership is receiving as much as $42,817 to conduct operational and technical assessments associated with restarting manufacturing operations at Skeena Sawmills.
Vavenby – Simpcw Resources LLP will receive as much as $10,750 to undertake detailed business planning and financial modelling for a capital project.
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