"Today is a great day for Lakeland, for our employees and for the community of Prince George," said Greg Stewart, president of Sinclar Group Forest Products, of which Lakeland Mills is a division. "As a company, we believe in this community. Three generations of owners and employees have lived and worked here for 50 years. So this decision is as much about our belief in family and community as it is a good business decision."
Design development on the new sawmill has not been completed, so details such as its size and production capacity are not yet available.
The mill will continue to produce stud lumber, with the ability to manufacture metric lengths in addition to the American Lumber Standard. Introducing this flexibility will allow Lakeland to diversify its markets.
The mill will be integrated with the existing planer mill, which is still operational, and the energy system Lakeland operates in partnership with the City of Prince George. It will incorporate the most advanced safety protocols available in all areas of its operations to ensure a safe work environment.
Construction is expected to begin this spring and be complete by summer 2014.