BC Government Helps Tolko Industries Expand Its Heffley Creek Operation

On Thursday, British Columbia’s Minister of Jobs, Economic Development, and Innovation announced new financial support for engineered wood production in Kamloops that will protect and create forestry jobs, promote the development of high-quality, made-in-BC forest products, and strengthen the local economy.

Through the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund (BCMJF), the government is contributing up to $8 million (CAD) to help Tolko Industries expand its Heffley Creek operation, including construction of a facility that will house a new Heffley Creek Engineered Wood Division.

The capital project will diversify the mill’s current production beyond commodity plywood to include specialty, industrial, and engineered wood products. This includes products to support new home construction, as well as commercial, furniture, millwork, door and window, and nonresidential building systems. The expansion will help maintain approximately 250 direct roles at the Heffley site and is expected to create 20 new jobs.

In addition to this funding, the province is also providing up to $45,760 in BCMJF funding to support Tolko’s Lake Country Division to explore the use of robotics in the production of nonresidential, made-in-BC wood products.

In a statement accompanying the announcement, Tolko President and CEO Brad Thorlakson said:

“Tolko’s history began, and remains, strongly rooted in BC. For over 65 years, we’ve continued to innovate and grow, and through this expansion, we’re proud to not only build on our suite of value-added products, but also support associated jobs through the integration of our business. Today’s announcement is testament to our government’s commitment to innovation and the forest products industry and we’re thankful for their support.”