The Government of Ontario is investing big in the Roseburg Forest Products, a move that will bolster the Pembroke facility.
Productivity is slated to increase by 60 percent and boost the companies’ moulding revenues by 40 percent and retrain 18 employees for higher-paying and higher-skill roles like robotics control operators.
“Today’s investment in Roseburg Forest Products will help strengthen their operations in Pembroke,” said Graydon Smith, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry. “There is significant demand for Ontario’s high-quality wood products and investments like this, ensure the long-term sustainability of the province’s forest sector.”
Projects like this, which build a more competitive forest sector through technological innovation, are critical to achieving Ontario’s goals established in Sustainable Growth: Ontario’s Forest Sector Strategy and the Forest Biomass Action Plan.
“Roseburg Pembroke is one of the major manufacturers in my riding. This $1.5 million grant for the moulding productions line will result in increased productivity and have a positive spinoff for the local economy,” said MPP John Yakabuski, Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke “My congratulations to the team at Roseburg for this successful grant submission. This is positive news for constituents in my riding both today and in the future.”
The increased production at Roseburg Forest Products will spur greater purchases of mill by-products from 20 Eastern and Central Ontario sawmills, which will have a ripple effect on the local forestry industry. This will reinforce Ontario’s position as the largest producer of medium density fibreboard in North America.
“A strong forest sector is key to building a stronger Ontario,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, “Our investment to help Roseburg Forest Products upgrade their facility and upskill jobs through the Forest Sector Investment and Innovation Program will strengthen regional economies, enhance competitiveness and improve productivity and innovation.”
Funding for this project is being provided by the Forest Sector Investment and Innovation Program, a business support program designed to improve productivity and innovation, enhance competitiveness, support new market access and strengthen regional economies.
(Written by Luke Notman)
