BC to Support Upgrades at Mercer Mass Timber Facility in Okanagan Falls

On Wednesday, BC announced new support for a mass-timber production facility that is protecting sustainable forestry jobs in Okanagan Falls and continuing to strengthen BC’s position as a leader in mass timber innovation.

Through the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund (BCMJF), the Government of BC’s contribution of as much as $7 million (CAD) has provided an incentive for Mercer Mass Timber (MMT), a subsidiary of Mercer International, to invest in the future of their Okanagan Falls facilities, which MMT acquired one year ago. BCMJF funding will support the purchase of new advanced manufacturing equipment and completion of factory upgrades that will modernize the facilities, improve production efficiencies, and scale manufacturing of a wider variety of mass-timber products.

As a result, MMT is rehiring employees that were laid off when the previous business shut down, supporting 28 local jobs to meet its production needs. MMT will produce cross-laminated timber in the Okanagan, enhance its production of glulam (glued laminated timber) by 25%, and improve the quality of the finished products, which are used predominantly as structural components for multi-tenant buildings.

BC Minister of Jobs, Economic Development, and Innovation Brenda Bailey said:

“We’re proud that Mercer Mass Timber’s headquarters are located right here in BC, and that their manufacturing footprint will be significantly expanded in the Okanagan. Supporting innovative manufacturing projects helps secure good, local jobs and reinforces BC as a global leader in the production and use of mass timber.”

Mercer Mass Timber Senior Vice President Brian Merwin said:

“This support enables us to create jobs and boost the local economy, while solidifying BC’s position as a global leader in the mass-timber industry. Mercer Mass Timber is determined to lead the way in sustainable mass timber and this partnership significantly strengthens our ability to do so. We’re excited for what’s to come and how we can all make a positive difference within the industry.”