Mercer Mass Timber, which purchased Penticton-based mass timber manufacturer Structurlam last year, will receive $7 million through B.C.’s Manufacturing Jobs Fund (BCMJF) ; funding to support purchase of new manufacturing equipment, completion of upgrades, enhance glulam production, hire former employees

“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,” a press release states.

Mercer purchased the facility following Structurlam’s bankruptcy. At that time, many employees were laid off when Structurlam closed. The new funds will also go towards rehiring employees who were laid off, supporting 28 local jobs.

“This support enables us to create jobs and boost the local economy while solidifying B.C.’s position as a global leader in the mass-timber industry,” said Brian Merwin, senior vice-president with Mercer Mass Timber.

“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.”

The BCMJF is part of a series of programs that the province has introduced to support sustainability in B.C.’s forestry sector. To date, 72 per cent of BCMJF projects focus on forest-sector transition to high-value products, creating and protecting more than 2,500 forest-sector jobs.

In January 2023, the Ministry of Forests introduced a new program to establish a dedicated fibre supply for small and medium-sized manufacturers, to increase the flow of fibre and find ways to expand local production of high-value wood products. A strong made-in-B.C. wood-manufacturing industry diversifies the forestry sector, creating new jobs and protecting existing jobs, while buffering against global market challenges.

Clean and Competitive: A Blueprint for B.C.’s Industrial Future lays out the Province’s work to drive new investment, create new jobs and seize new opportunities in growing clean-energy and sustainable industries. Supporting local manufacturing sectors helps leverage B.C.’s strengths to create good jobs and opportunities in every community and will improve the quality of life for people, while strengthening B.C.’s diverse economy.

Source: mercermasstimber.com