San Group Announces $ 100 Million Investment in Port Alberni Forestry Operations

On Wednesday, June 3, 2021, San Group announced that over the next year it plans to invest $100 million (CAD) into its Port Alberni forestry operations. There are four projects that will receive money from the investment. The largest portion of the investment of $50-60 million is part of an agreement to ship lumber via container ships from the city’s deep seaport. San Group will also spend $15 million in its Coulson Sawmill to create a second line capable of processing small, low-grade or odd-shaped logs. Another $15 million will see the new remanufacturing plant move into phase 4, more automation and CNC technology to keep up with global markets. An additional $15 million will be invested at the San Specialty Sawmill on Hector Road to create a biomass facility. This will allow San Group to use shavings and sawdust from all its operations to create “green” energy. Between all of San Group’s entities in the Alberni Valley approximately 40 tons of waste are produced every day. Whatever they or neighboring Paper Excellence paper mill cannot use, San Group will turn into pellets to sell.