Aug 26, 2009. /Lesprom Network/. Chaleur Sawmills will use a loan from the provincial government to help install new equipment to increase productivity, The Northern Light paper reported. The seven-year, $1.2-million term loan was announced last Friday by Business New Brunswick Minister Victor Boudreau. “The management team at this mill has skilfully navigated the difficulties created by the downturn in the forest industry to remain a strong employer for this community,” he said in a news release. “I am pleased to help this mill modernize so it can be successful long into the future. Chaleur Sawmills is a critical employer in this community, and we are confident that this investment will maintain its position as an industry leader.” The mill is one of the region's largest and most important employers, with the majority of workers living in the Chaleur region, many from Restigouche County. It directly employs 165 skilled workers, including accountants, machinists, millwrights, mechanics, welders and electricians. Another 140 people are employed at the mill through sub-contractors. Chaleur Sawmills' general manager Duane Woods said that the loan will help the company achieve its goals. "This has been a very difficult time for the forest industry specifically, and the economy generally," he said. "Our company and our staff have a reputation for excellence. With the help of the provincial government, we can continue on the road to becoming a national leader, and bring the benefits of our growing success back home to the people of northern New Brunswick." Chaleur Sawmills has been in operation since 1994, producing softwood stud lumber for the construction industry, along with rough lumber used to manufacture fencing, pallets, bed frames and packaging. The mill also sells chips, shavings and biomass to local enterprises, with wood residue products making up about 25 per cent of the mill's revenues.