John Yakabuski, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry, visited Lavern Heideman & Sons as part of National Forest Week to see how the province's investment is helping create more local jobs and increase overall production.
Ontario is investing $4 million over five years, contributing to improved productivity in the company's forestry infrastructure and secondary manufacturing operations. This investment is helping protect 90 local jobs, create 18 new local jobs and streamline operations. It will also enable the company to significantly increase production levels and produce higher-value products, ultimately leading to increased sales and access to new export markets.
"Our government is committed to supporting local businesses our communities depend on, to make Ontario open for jobs. That includes continuing to invest in infrastructure and equipment to help the forest sector remain competitive," said Minister Yakabuski. "Investing in the forestry sector benefits the province and plays a critical role in allowing companies like Lavern Heideman & Sons to create more local jobs and contribute to the regional economy."
Lavern Heideman & Sons was established in the 1970s as a logging operation and has diversified into forest management, sawmills, planing and distribution. Today, the third-generation family-owned operation is one of the largest sawmills in the region and is a significant supplier to other wood processing companies in the area.
