Increasing national and international demand for its range of Medium Density Fiber (MDF) products has led the plant to begin manufacturing again six years after stopping operations. Federal funding for Pembroke MDF Inc. is to support upgrades to the facility, including buying new equipment, as well as repairs and structural improvements.
The Pembroke plant is noted for its large customer base in Canada and the United States. Restarting the plant will allow the facility to produce high-quality panels with greater efficiency and at a greater capacity to meet market demands. The project will help Pembroke MDF Inc. diversify its exports while strengthening the forestry sector in Ontario.
Pembroke MDF expects to create up to 110 full-time jobs during the project and 50 jobs from post-project operational work. Additional jobs are also expected in the related forestry, local transportation and logistics supply chain, and electrical and maintenance shops.
Pembroke MDF's project will allow the company to realize environmental benefits with the implementation of more environmentally friendly resins and operational efficiencies that will significantly reduce electricity consumption and associated emissions.