Nine forestry companies in British Columbia will receive a combined C$2.5 million in funding to modernize facilities, purchase equipment, and expand production under the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund (BCMJF). The Government of British Columbia said the funding will help manufacturers boost production of high-value wood products, improve fibre use, and preserve or create jobs in the sector.
Canadian Bavarian Millwork and Lumber Ltd., based in Chemainus, will receive up to C$1.4 million to construct a new facility and acquire advanced machinery. The upgrades are designed to increase production capacity and expand the use of fibre for both solid and engineered wood products. The expansion is expected to generate five to 10 new jobs and will include staff training on AI-enabled equipment features.
The BCMJF has so far supported 74 forestry-product manufacturers with over C$90.5 million in provincial funding. These investments have leveraged more than C$588 million in total capital for wood-product manufacturing and contributed to the creation or protection of nearly 3,600 jobs, primarily in regional, remote, and Indigenous communities.
To date, the BCMJF has contributed C$151.7 million toward 153 capital projects across sectors. These projects have unlocked more than C$1.2 billion in total investment, generating C$590,000 in tax revenue and C$5.3 million in GDP per C$1 million invested during capital construction. Funded projects are projected to create over 2,100 jobs and safeguard more than 2,700 existing positions.
