QUEBEC - The governments of Canada and Quebec have invested in yet another Canadian sawmill - this time nearly $4 million in Les Produits Gilbert to help it modernize its facilities.
The $3.9 million investment features a $1.3 million repayable contribution and a $1.3 million loan to purchase equipment from the Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions and Quebec Economic Development Program, along with a $1.3 million loan from Investissement Quebec, reports Wood Business Canada.
“We want to remain competitive, particularly by offering our clients products that exceed industry standards, and that is why innovation is key to our company’s philosophy. We are growing rapidly and the support of the governments of Canada and Quebec is very important in allowing us to carry out our development projects,” said Lydia Gaudreault, director general of Les Produits Gilbert, in a government news release.
“One of the Quebec government’s priorities is to raise awareness among Quebec companies of the growth potential associated with Industry 4.0. Indeed, it is by integrating digital technologies and robotic equipment, in particular, that companies will be able to increase their productivity and competitiveness," said Pierre Fitzgibbon, Minister of Economy and Innovation and Minister responsible for the Lanaudiere region.
This is already the third Canadian wood products investment this month. Last week, the Ontario government invested $5.5 million in Ben Hokum & Son Ltd. to help the company modernize its facilities. In early April, the country invested nearly $8 million to promote new wood products in British Columbia.
Canadian sawmills are clearly struggling. British Columbia - Canada's largest lumber-producing province - exported just over 514 million board feet of lumber to the U.S. in October 2018, down from 645 million board feet from the same time 2017. Many Canadian lumber leaders have taken a hit - including West Fraser, Canfor, Conifex, and Interfor - and restricted lumber production, with West Fraser and Canfor curtailing production more than once.
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