BC Announces New Support for Forest Sector Manufacturers

On Wednesday, British Columbia announced new support for forest sector manufacturers in the province. The province said the measures will create sustainable jobs, strengthen local supply chains, establish new made-in-BC products, and reinforce BC’s position as a leader in mass timber innovation.

Through the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund (BCMJF), the government is contributing as much as C$11 million toward four forest sector capital projects in the province. The projects are helping BC-based forest product manufacturers grow their businesses by constructing new production facilities, purchasing new equipment, and adding new high-value product lines, while creating and protecting hundreds of jobs.

The projects are as follows:

1. Spearhead Timberworks Inc., near Nelson, specializes in the design and fabrication of highly advanced timber architecture. Spearhead is strengthening its capabilities, backed by as much as $7.5 million from BC to drive its expansion. Spearhead’s cutting-edge technology and high-value products demonstrate how BC’s fiber can be used to generate significant economic benefits and highly skilled jobs in a high-demand sector.
2. Westlam Industries Ltd., located in Langley, is a wood-product manufacturer that specializes in construction-grade plywood. Westlam’s products play an important role in the housing and commercial building sector in BC and Canada, ensuring a strong local supply of key building materials.
3. Mercer Celgar Limited Partnership, located in Castlegar, is a kraft pulp mill and biorefinery that produces premium pulp and generates bioenergy for the BC Hydro power grid. The company will receive as much as $1.75 million to modernize its small-log line and install equipment capable of processing smaller-diameter logs and a wider range of low-grade fiber.
4. Greyback Construction Ltd., located in Penticton is a commercial, residential, and industrial construction contractor that is diversifying into prefabricated housing construction. It will receive as much as $235,000 to renovate a former mill site and purchase equipment that will vertically integrate and streamline production of prefabricated exterior walls and floors.

In a statement, BC Minster of Forests Ravi Parmar said:

“British Columbia’s forestry companies and workers show what innovation, craftsmanship, and hard work looks like. Spearhead, Westlam, Mercer Celgar, Greyback Construction, and many, many more across the province are stepping up and investing in their workers and their communities, and we’re right there with them. The Manufacturing Jobs Fund creates jobs, strengthens supply chains and supports people in their incredible work around this province.”