The Government of British Columbia, Canada, is contributing as much as $6.49 million through the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund (BCMJF) to fund three capital projects and three planning projects. The projects will see wood-product manufacturers grow and diversify their operations by upgrading equipment to support innovation and long-term sustainability, adding new product lines and establishing new jobs while preserving existing positions.
S&R Sawmills Ltd., founded in 1963 and operating several mills in Langley and Surrey, will receive as much as $4 million to support an expansion of operations by installing a trimmer/sorter/stacker line at their Langley-based D Mill. This will help them remain competitive by producing higher-quality wood products, including production of custom-cut lumber using second growth timber. The project will improve efficiency, reduce waste and create 25 jobs at the sawmill, which plays an important role in the value-added forest sector in B.C.
“This funding will be utilized for mill improvements aimed at enhancing efficiency in cutting second-growth logs. The contribution is a testament to S&R’s commitment to sustainable forestry practices and our dedication to creating more employment opportunities within the B.C. economy,” said Jeff Dahl, president, S&R Sawmills Ltd. “By investing in mill improvements, S&R Sawmills aims to not only bolster our operational capabilities, but also ensure the preservation of British Columbia's old-growth forests.”
Canoe Forest Products Ltd., operating for more than 60 years in Canoe, is receiving as much as $2.25 million to replace its outdated kiln, an upgrade that will improve their long-term viability as a softwood sheathing, veneer and specialty-plywood manufacturer, while protecting 205 existing jobs and allowing the company to diversify the species of wood it processes and reduce its reliance on Douglas fir. It will also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 10% through the drying process.
