HEARST — Ontario is strengthening the local forest industry by providing a grant to Columbia Forest Products to invest in innovative technology that will secure good jobs in Hearst.
The more than $300,000 grant supports the installation of over $3 million in new equipment at Columbia’s Hearst plywood mill. The mechanized scanning and patching equipment will boost the mill’s competitiveness and help secure over 250 jobs.
“Our government is working with businesses in Ontario’s north to create more opportunities for hard-working Ontarians and their families,” said Natural Resources Minister Donna Cansfield. “The Forest Sector Prosperity Fund is helping our forest sector become more competitive, and creating and securing good jobs right here in Northern Ontario.”
“The new equipment means our plywood operation will be more competitive and efficient,” said Tim Schallich, vice president, Northern Division, Columbia Forest Products. “The contribution from the government has helped us to move ahead with this initiative.”
The investment comes from Ontario’s Forest Sector Prosperity Fund. It and the Loan Guarantee Program are part of the McGuinty government’s over $1-billion plan to help forest companies invest in the future of their business and the prosperity of local communities.
To date, the Ontario government’s forest sector investments have created or secured 4,770 jobs and leveraged $376 million in investments province-wide.
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