New funding has been provided for six wood-product manufacturers and two fabricated-metal manufacturers.
“Forestry jobs support families across the province, including in smaller and rural communities. By helping companies get more jobs per tree through manufacturing here at home, we’re supporting a brighter future for forest workers,” said Premier David Eby in Prince George Wednesday. “The latest round of jobs secured through the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund will get more people working on innovative equipment, producing new value-added wood products and reaching new markets so they can pay the mortgage, support their families and strengthen their local community.”
The Government of B.C. is contributing as much as $8.6 million through the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund (BCMJF) to fund eight new capital projects to help manufacturers grow and diversify their operations through new production lines, equipment and innovative technology, setting the stage for long-term sustainability while establishing new jobs and preserving existing positions.
San Industries Ltd., a vertically integrated forestry company that produces value-added and engineered wood products, will receive as much as $2.5 million to support purchasing new equipment, optimizing its processing line and constructing a new storage facility at its Port Alberni plant. These upgrades will significantly increase the efficiency of its operations with an innovative process that creates engineered cedar products using ultra-thin sheets of veneer. This will allow San Industries to use a fraction of the fibre and produce less waste as compared to conventional wood products. The project will enable better use of diversified fibre sources in creating value-added products and help it enter new international markets, while creating 30 jobs.
“San Group will allocate BCMJF funds to advance its Port Alberni value-added plant. This infusion enables increased wood product manufacturing, fostering heightened production and bolstered environmental sustainability,” said Kamal Sanghera, president, San Industries Ltd. “The investment serves as a pivotal step towards enhancing operational efficiency while aligning with San Group’s commitment to responsible and eco-friendly business practices.”
Richmond Plywood Corp. Ltd., which has been operating for more than 60 years in Richmond, is receiving as much as $2.3 million to purchase and install new, innovative equipment to enhance its value-added manufacturing processes using second-growth fibre and waste wood. This will improve the company’s product quality and operational efficiency, reduce reliance on old-growth fibre and reduce its carbon footprint, allowing it to produce high-quality, value-added plywood products and use any remaining residual wood waste to power its facility. The capital project will result in Richmond Plywood upskilling 24 employees to higher-paid, skilled positions and will create 14 jobs at the company.
“BCMJF funding is crucial as the need for value-added plywood is increasing rapidly. By aligning Richmond Plywood’s production processes with the B.C. government’s goals and policies around forestry, we can ensure the sustainability of 400-plus jobs and the creation of 14 additional new jobs,” said Bhavjit Thandi, CFO, Richmond Plywood Corp. Ltd. “Through our investments into new, safer and innovative technology, those currently at Richmond Plywood will wholly benefit from this project, contributing to long-term, well-paying secure jobs in the region.”
The $180-million BCMJF supports high-value industrial and manufacturing capital projects that will lead to well-paying jobs and economic benefits for B.C. communities, while driving clean and inclusive growth throughout the province.
Funding through the BCMJF is part of a series of programs the province has introduced to support the growth of value-added manufacturing in B.C.’s forestry sector. In January 2023, the Ministry of Forests introduced a new value-added manufacturing program to establish a dedicated fibre supply for small and medium-sized manufacturers. The Province is working with the value-added manufacturing sector to increase the flow of fibre and find ways to expand local production of high-value wood products. A strong value-added manufacturing industry diversifies the forestry sector, creating new jobs and protecting existing jobs and buffering against global market challenges.