Ontario Invests CA$1.6 Million in Hardwood Sawmill Expansion

On Wednesday, the Ontario government announced a CA$1.6 million investment in a expansion and modernization project at Bernie McGlynn Lumber Ltd., a family-owned hardwood sawmill in Mildmay, Ontario.

According to the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, the funding will support a CA$5.3 million project that will more than double the company’s production space and increase output by 47%. The initiative is expected to create five new jobs while protecting 13 existing positions.

The project includes construction of a new 30,000-square-foot facility and the installation of upgraded manufacturing equipment, including a thermal-treating kiln system that the province said will be the first of its kind in Ontario. The expansion will also add a double-bladed bandsaw designed to improve processing efficiency and product quality.

Ontario said the modernization effort will help the company diversify its product offerings with siding, decking, and fencing products intended to compete with composite and plastic alternatives.

Commenting on the investment, Ontario Associate Minister of Forestry and Forest Products Kevin Holland said:

“Our government is proud to support projects that help forestry businesses expand, modernize and remain competitive in changing global markets. Through our forest sector roadmap, we will continue making strategic investments that protect forestry jobs, strengthen Ontario’s competitive advantage and maintain our position as a G7 leader in producing and selling high-quality forest products.”