More jobs and opportunities for innovation are heading to the Kootenays with two forestry-sector manufacturers receiving over $9.25 million through the B.C Government’s BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund (BCMJF).
The funds aim to provide sustainable jobs, strengthen local supply chains, establish new made-in-B.C. products and reinforce B.C.’s position as a leader in mass-timber innovation, as well as growing local businesses by constructing new production facilities, purchasing new equipment and adding new high-value product lines.
“These timely investments into our province’s manufacturing and forestry value-added sectors will help strengthen homegrown B.C. companies, which in turn creates stronger local economies and sustainable jobs,” said Diana Gibson, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation.
“We’re working alongside industry to build a stronger, more resilient economy that works better for people and communities.”
Nelson’s Spearhead Timberworks will strengthen its capabilities with a boost of $7.5 million to drive its expansion. This includes construction of a new purpose-built facility and implementation of advanced technology that will increase its competitiveness on the international stage, adding state-of-the-art production lines for specialized curved and double-curved glulam.
“This investment is about more than just funding, it’s really a vote of confidence in the people, the potential and the future of advanced timber fabrication in the Kootenays.” said Josh Hall, partner at Spearhead Timberworks Inc.
“We’re creating over 60 jobs with this investments, and for Spearhead it means we can continue our ability to innovate in the future, to continue to deliver world-class projects, and be able to compete with an international market where, for us in our niche, it’s really about capabilities.”
“When we can bring increased capabilities to our projects, we’re able to utilize local fibre, we’re able to employ people locally, add those jobs create a future for multiple generations of this business.”
Spearhead specializes in the design and fabrication of highly advanced timber architecture.
Spearhead’s cutting-edge technology and high-value products demonstrate how B.C.’s fibre can be used to generate significant economic benefits and highly skilled jobs in a high-demand sector.
The Kootenay region is quickly establishing itself as a hub for British Columbia’s growing mass-timber economy, uniting a network of local sawmills. The network includes but is not limited to Harrop-Procter Community Cooperative and J.H. Huscroft Ltd., value-added wood manufacturers, such as Kalesnikoff Mass Timber Inc., and progressive training in wood design, digital fabrication and sustainable construction delivered through Selkirk College.
“Over the past 35 years, we’ve honed our craft in advanced timber fabrication, completing over 450 projects worldwide and building a reputation as trailblazers in our field,” said Josh.
“This investment from the Province will help us showcase B.C.’s remarkable wood resources globally, while creating long-term jobs at home. We’re honoured by the trust placed in us and excited to continue contributing meaningfully to our community and timber industry.”
MLA for Nelson-Creston, Brittny Anderson praises the investment on the local economic development.
“I’m proud to see local companies embracing innovation and reinforcing our region’s leadership toward a more resilient future. Partnering with forward-thinking manufacturers like Spearhead is key to building a sustainable future full of abundance for the Kootenays.” said Brittny.
Castlegar makes the list
Castlegar’s own Mercer Celgar will also receive $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 fibre.
This investment will help maximize the value of fibre inputs and secure more than 400 jobs at the facility, making it one of the largest employers in the region.
“Support from the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund has played a key role in expanding fibre flexibility at Mercer Celgar. By enabling us to process a broader range of inputs, including fibre once considered waste, this investment strengthens our sustainability, enhances competitiveness and helps maintain 400 stable jobs at B.C.’s largest pulp mill in Castlegar.” said John McKay, managing director, Mercer Celgar.
Mercer Celgar Limited Partnership is a kraft pulp mill and biorefinery that produces premium pulp and generates bioenergy for the BC Hydro power grid.
“Forestry is a part of who we are here in the Kootenays, and Celgar does such great work in the sector and is such an important employer here,” said Steve Morissette, MLA for Kootenay-Monashee.
“I am thrilled to see this funding coming their way to help them modernize and to secure good forestry jobs.”
BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund investing where is count
The BCMJF is helping manufacturers throughout the province scale and grow their operations to make more made-in-B.C. products that create good jobs and strengthen the economy.
“British Columbia’s forestry companies and workers show what innovation, craftsmanship and hard work looks like,” said Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests.
“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.”
The Province has partnered with 73 forestry-product manufacturers with more to come, dedicating more than $97 million to the industry in collaboration toward a stable, sustainable forestry sector in B.C.
