CANADA (From news reports) -- Vancouver Island wood manufacturing companies are receiving provincial funding weeks after the announced closure of the Crofton pulp and paper mill.
Western Forest Products' value-added division in Chemainus will receive $7.5 million to add two new continuous dry kilns to its manufacturing operation.
Island TimberFrame in Cumberland will receive $325,000 to expand production of high-value structural mass timber and wood-finishing products through the purchase and installation of advanced manufacturing equipment.
Western Forest Products president and chief executive officer Steven Hofer said the investments are vital to the company, its employees and the communities where it operates.
"They enhance our ability to add value to harvested timber and support family-sustaining jobs - from the seedlings we grow to the products we sent to global markets."
The funding will help Western Forest Products expand high-value applications for second-growth western hemlock, including future mass-timber inputs.
Island TimberFrame's funding will allow the company to improve operational efficiency, increase production capacity and access larger construction projects.
Island TimberFrame partner Carl Tessmann said the funding will help expand exports and domestic supply of value-added wood products by investing in production systems and advanced manufacturing equipment.
"The result of these funds will strengthen partnerships with First Nations and wood suppliers across British Columbia, while creating skilled employment in our rural community."
The funding comes from the province's B.C. Manufacturing Jobs Fund, which supports manufacturing businesses in expanding operations to produce and sell made-in-B.C. products.
