New support for manufacturing businesses in the Fraser Valley will create jobs, promote the development of made-in-B.C. products, and strengthen local supply chains and communities.

Aldergrove-based Western Wood Preservers Ltd., for example, will receive as much as $300,000 to expand and renovate its processing facility, which aims to double the production of treated lumber, improve fabrication, and move to year-round operations, while protecting existing jobs and creating seven new ones

“Through investments in innovation, we’re getting more value from the resources harvested in B.C. while creating and preserving high-quality jobs in the forestry and manufacturing sectors,” said Brenda Bailey, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation. “We’ll continue working alongside industry to develop the long-term growth that helps build strong local economies across our province.”

Through the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund (BCMJF), the Government of B.C. is investing more than $1.3 million toward four projects in the region that will see local businesses grow and create new jobs, including:

• Abbotsford – Dynamic Windows and Doors Ltd. will receive as much as $755,000 to purchase and install automated equipment and integrate new technology into its production to help the company meet its growing market demand, make it feasible to keep production here in B.C., support existing jobs and create nine new jobs;
• Abbotsford – Tiger Tool International Inc. will receive as much as $220,000 to purchase and install two new machines to enable high-precision production of tools and equipment to diversify its product offerings while supporting existing jobs and creating three new jobs; and
• Agassiz – Power Wood Corp. will receive as much as $50,000 to complete business planning, technical drawings, and an engineering plan to build a new thermal modification facility. This would allow it to make use of new fiber sources and double its production capacity of specialty wood products, such as siding, paneling, and trim, while potentially creating 44 jobs through this future capital project.

The BCMJF supports for-profit organizations to plan and launch shovel-ready, high-value industrial and manufacturing projects that will bring direct benefits and stable, family-supporting jobs to communities while driving clean and inclusive growth throughout the province.

“Wood-manufacturing companies, like those in the Fraser Valley, are creating B.C.’s next generation of forestry jobs,” said Bruce Ralston, Minister of Forests. “The projects announced today will bring additional technology and innovation into manufacturing operations and create family-supporting jobs. By investing in growing manufacturing companies, we are investing in people and communities.”

Funding through the BCMJF is part of a series of programs that the Province has introduced to support the growth of value-added manufacturing in B.C. In January 2023, the Ministry of Forests introduced a new Value-Added Manufacturing Program to establish a dedicated fiber supply for small and medium-sized manufacturers. The Province is working with the value-added manufacturing sector to increase the flow of fiber and find ways to expand local production of high-value wood products. A strong value-added manufacturing industry diversifies the forestry sector, buffering against global market challenges.

Building resilient economies is part of the Province’s work through the StrongerBC Economic Plan to build a strong and sustainable economy through clean and inclusive growth. Supporting B.C.’s manufacturing and agricultural sectors helps bring the government closer to its goal of building a more innovative economy for people, businesses, and communities throughout B.C.