Kalesnikoff Lumber to build $35 million mass timber facility
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Kalesnikoff’s $35 million mass timber investment will encompass construction of a new 110,000 sq ft. building.

THRUMS, B.C. — Kalesnikoff Lumber Co. said it will build North America’s most advanced, fully integrated, multi-species mass timber manufacturing facility in South Slocan, B.C., which will create 50 new, full-time, technology-centered local jobs.

Kalesnikoff’s $35 million mass timber investment will encompass construction of a new 110,000 sq ft. building, and the purchase of state-of-the-art processing equipment and technology from leading companies including Denmark-based Kallesoe Machinery and Canadian-based Conception RP.

“We see mass timber as a natural and exciting innovation and next step for our company and team,” said Chris Kalesnikoff, Chief Operating Officer of Kalesnikoff Lumber Company. “We’ve done extensive research to ensure our new world-class equipment will create exceptionally high-quality cross-laminated timber and glulam beams. Our focus will be on full integration from the forest through cutting, drying, and manufacturing to the final finished and delivered products.”

Cross-laminated timber and glulam, also known as mass timber, are well established and widely used in Europe where green building technology is much further evolved than in North America. Leading architects, engineers, designers and project managers around the world, including here in North America, are increasingly seeking high-quality, custom mass timber products to create sustainable, stunning and energy-efficient buildings.

Today’s announcement follows the Province of British Columbia’s recent commitment to invite eligible local governments to become early adopters of mass timber technology for construction of buildings up to 12 storeys in advance of anticipated changes to Canada’s Building Code in 2020.

“For eighty years and over four generations, we have provided consistently high-quality, value-added wood products to our customers around the world.” said Ken Kalesnikoff, Chief Executive Officer of Kalesnikoff Lumber Company. “We are proud of our customer and partner relationships, the jobs and opportunities we’ve created for our employees, and the privilege of supporting many important local initiatives in our community. Today’s announcement will allow us to build on our ongoing legacy.”

This new facility is scheduled to open in late 2019 with a full product line by the summer of 2020, creating 50 new technology-centered, local jobs and expanded community benefits.  Kalesnikoff will begin recruitment later this year.

The company has rebranded, including a new logo and tagline “Timber Inspires” that reflects the endless possibilities of wood, and the intersection of design, engineering and construction using Kalesnikoff mass timber products.

About Kalesnikoff Lumber Company:
Kalesnikoff Lumber Company was founded in 1939 in the West Kootenays and has practiced sustainable forest management for 80 years. The company currently has 150 employees and manufactures specialty wood products across various local species. Kalesnikoff produces some of the finest grain, highest quality products in the world from the coveted Kootenay Wet Belt region. Kalesnikoff is proud to give back to the local community through its “Kalesnikoff Cares” program which supports initiatives and events to help local children and families.

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About the author
Harry Urban

Harry Urban is the retired publisher of the Woodworking Network. Urban spent more than 30 years working in business-to-business publishing, trade shows, and conferences. He has travelled extensively throughout North America and overseas visiting and reporting on major manufacturing facilities and trade shows. In retirement, he's still following the woodworking industry, but he plans to do a lot more fishing.