Wood-product manufacturing gets a boost

Press Release

Sept. 19, 2025

VICTORIA – Nine more forestry companies are being supported to modernize, innovate and diversify their product lines and fibre sources to make more high-value, made-in-B.C. products, and help protect and create jobs.

“It’s no secret our forestry sector is facing many challenges, making these investments timely, while I continue the fight to secure every dollar from Ottawa to support people in B.C.’s forestry sector,” said Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests. “These companies are vital to their communities and this funding is one way we are working with them to help protect jobs, support local economies and build a sustainable forestry sector for generations to come.”

Through the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund (BCMJF), the Province is contributing as much as $2.5 million for nine wood-product manufacturing businesses to plan or complete capital projects. This may include building new or upgrading existing facilities to scale their operations, buying new equipment to help maximize production and fibre utilization, and reduce waste, or conducting planning activities to support future capital investments.

For example, Canadian Bavarian Millwork and Lumber Ltd. in Chemainus will receive as much as $1.4 million to help build its new facility and buy advanced equipment. These upgrades will boost production capacity and expand the use of fibre to produce new solid and engineered wood products. This expansion is expected to create five to 10 new jobs, and will include training for current staff on state-of-the art, AI-enabled features of new machinery, laying the groundwork for long-term growth and innovation.

“We are honoured to receive support from the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund, which will help us modernize and expand our operations in Chemainus,” said Georg Woernle, owner, Canadian Bavarian Millwork and Lumber Ltd. “This investment empowers us to enhance production of high-quality millwork and wood products, while creating skilled jobs in our community. With this support, we’re strengthening our commitment to sustainable manufacturing and ensuring our long-term competitiveness in the B.C. forestry sector.”

The BCMJF has helped drive more than $588 million into forestry-product manufacturing, leading to the direct creation and protection of nearly 3,600 forestry-sector jobs, many in regional, remote and Indigenous communities.

“We’re opening new doors for B.C. forestry products and helping communities thrive with stable, well-paying jobs,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth. “At a time when unjustified U.S. tariffs are impacting people in B.C., our investment in manufacturing creates more value for every tree harvested, turning challenges into opportunities that help B.C. businesses thrive.”

The BCMJF has also led to increased production of mass timber, engineered wood and bioproducts, with B.C.-based companies leading the way in innovative uses of waste wood, residuals and available fibre for high-value, high-demand products and exports. The Province has partnered with 74 forestry-product manufacturers, dedicating more than $90.5 million to the industry to move collaboratively toward a stable, sustainable forestry sector in B.C.

Quotes:

Ron Sangara, president, Leslie Forest Products Ltd. –

“Funding from the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund has enabled Leslie Forest Products to invest in advanced technology that increases efficiency, supports sustainability and creates good local jobs. This project ensures our family-run business can continue serving markets around the world, while contributing to B.C.’s economy and communities.”

Jeff Popham, president, Island Precision Manufacturing Ltd. –

“We are excited to be upgrading our manufacturing capacity with two new advanced wood-processing machines and the assistance of the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund. This equipment will allow us to produce more parts to finer tolerances with less downtime – and serve our customers better.”

Quick Facts:

• The BCMJF supports high-value industrial and manufacturing capital projects in all sectors that will create and protect well-paying jobs.
• More than $1.2 billion is being invested in the 153 capital projects funded through the BCMJF, with almost $151.7 million committed from B.C. so far, unlocking more than $1 billion in private-sector and other public investment.
  • Every $1 million invested results in $7 million in total direct capital investments in B.C., $590,000 in tax revenue to the Province and $5.3 million in provincial GDP during capital construction.
• Funded projects will create more than 2,100 jobs and protect more than 2,700 jobs.

Learn More:

To learn more about the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund, including a list of recipients, visit: https://gov.bc.ca/ManufacturingJobsFund

A backgrounder follows.

Contact:

Ministry of Forests
Media Relations
Forest.Media@gov.bc.ca
250 380-8491

BACKGROUNDER

Additional BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund investments

Delta – Leslie Forest Products manufactures a broad range of lumber products. It is receiving as much as $420,000 to buy and commission new equipment that will optimize production and efficiency, diversify their fibre inputs and significantly reduce waste, enabling it to upskill existing employees and create three new jobs.

Deroche – F&T Technologies Inc. (F&T) is commercializing a proprietary biopolymer technology that transforms conventional wood-based materials into waterproof, fire-resistant and mould-proof solutions. F&T is located on Leq’á:mel First Nation lands and will receive as much as $350,000 to establish a full-scale manufacturing facility and create six jobs.

Central Saanich – Island Precision Machining Ltd. is a manufacturer of architectural millwork and cabinetry. It is receiving as much as $124,000 toward buying new, advanced equipment that will increase production capacity and help meet product demand. This project will create 12 jobs.

Surrey – Riverside Forest Products is a lumber manufacturer and will receive as much as $50,000 to conduct planning activities for a potential capital project.

Powell River – homeD Modular Building Technologies uses a proprietary component-based building system known as BoxPods that can be rapidly configured, stacked and scaled to meet diverse community needs. homeD is receiving as much as $50,000 to complete planning and technical assessments for a next-generation manufacturing hub in British Columbia.

Terrace – Kitsumkalum Development Limited Partnership is receiving as much as $42,817 to conduct operational and technical assessments associated with restarting manufacturing operations at Skeena Sawmills.

Powell River – Tla’amin Timber Products Ltd. operates on behalf of the ɬaʔamɩn Nation and supports the management of its forestry operations. It is receiving as much as $38,725 to conduct planning required for the construction of a value-added processing facility.

Vavenby – Simpcw Resources LLP will receive as much as $10,750 to undertake detailed business planning and financial modelling for a capital project.

Contact:

Ministry of Forests
Media Relations
Forest.Media@gov.bc.ca
250 380-8491

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