KITCHENER – The Ontario government is investing over $1 million in Distinctive Wood Products, a manufacturer of kitchen cabinets and accessories to increase production, boost U.S. export sales, and create new jobs.

According to the Graydon Smith, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry, this investment will increase production by 40 percent, boost U.S. export sales by almost 300 percent and create nine new jobs at the company – and up to nine additional jobs throughout the forest sector supply chain.

“We are investing in businesses like Distinctive Wood Products to create jobs and strengthen our forest sector supply chain,” said Smith. “This is good news for the Kitchener-Waterloo region, for Ontario’s forest sector and for consumers on both sides of the border who will enjoy greater access to high-quality cabinets and accessories.”

The total expansion project is valued at $4.4 million and will now add automated sanding equipment and a finishing system which hardens paint to prepare completed products for market. This investment will increase production capacity, reducing waste and allow Distinctive Wood Products to fulfill orders more quickly. The improvements are expected to boost the company’s revenue by 56 percent.

To ramp up production, Distinctive Wood Products will increase its purchases of Ontario-made medium density fiberboard by 55 percent, increasing demand for harvesting companies, sawmills and trucking – adding $4.3 million to Ontario’s forest supply chain each year.