The British Columbia Government is investing up to $ 11 million for four projects in the province destined to boost the local massive steps manufacturing sector.
The Minister of Joba and economic development, Diana Gibson, says in a statement that the financing comes at a time when government investment is necessary to strengthen the “BC companies of own harvest” in the forestry sector that provides the manufacture of added value for the supply of wood in the province.
Gibson says that financing also creates more than 100 jobs in several regions, while obtaining more jobs in the industry.
Among the projects that receive funds are Spearhead Timberworks, based in Nelson, which will obtain up to $ 7.5 million to help build a new production installation for curved rolled wood, which joins wood layers to create large and lasting structural components for buildings.
In Castlegar, Mercer Celgar Limited Partnership, a Kraft pulp factory, will receive up to $ 1.75 million to modernize its registration lines and install equipment, while Penticton Grayback construction will get around $ 235,000 to renew an old factory site, since it diversifies in the construction of prefabricated homes.
Another project that receives financing is the manufacturer of plywood construction with headquarters in Langley Westlam Industries, which will obtain $ 1.5 million for a new plant and automated equipment to increase production to build local housing and commercial structures.
The spearhead’s investment is expected to create more than 60 jobs, while Westlam financing can mean hiring up to 46 more workers, says the province.
“We are working together with the industry to build a stronger and more resistant economy that works better for people and communities,” says Gibson.
The province says that the new installation would allow Spearhead to make components to build massive tones of “high complexity and high value” that would increase the company’s capacity to compete for business internationally.
Financing is administered through the Provincial Fund for Manufacturing Jobs, aimed at helping local businesses to grow and create more BC products.
The province says that almost a quarter of all BC wood products manufacturers have requested funds through the program.
The investment occurs in a moment of growing uncertainty faced by the BC wood industry. The president of the United States, Donald Trump, wants to boost the production of American wood and has ordered researchers to analyze possible import damage to Canadian wood.
The president of West Fraser Timber, Sean McLaren, has said that the demand for Canadian wood could be hindered by the possible inflationary effects of tariffs imposed by the United States.
