[VERNON, BC] March 13, 2011 – Rob Clarke, Member of Parliament for Desnethé—Missinippi—Churchill River, was in Meadow Lake today to announce that Tolko Industries Ltd. will receive $1.3 million under the Transformative Technologies Pilot Scale Demonstration Program to support innovation and help expand market opportunities.
“Our Government’s top priority remains the economy,” said MP Clarke. “With the economic recovery still fragile, we will continue to take action to protect and create jobs in Canada, including the important forestry jobs in Meadow Lake.”
Other funding for this project includes a $300,000 contribution from the Government of Saskatchewan. “Funding will come from Saskatchewan’s value-added forestry program,” said Enterprise Minister Jeremy Harrison. “Today’s announcement is consistent with our objective of helping build a more diversified forest sector. It means more jobs and continued growth in our economy.
Tolko has also invested approximately $1.6 million in the project through cash and in-kind contributions. “This project, which applies research developed with FPInnovations, is a first in North America,” said Parker Snyder, Plant Manager for Meadow Lake OSB. “We commend our government partners for investing in the future of this region and industry.”
This demonstration project lays the groundwork for incorporating additional technologies to complete the plant’s transformation from its commodity OSB-only status. Eventual end products could include: decorative wall panels, high performance flooring, original equipment manufacturer truck decking, and high grade rim board.
The $3.2 million project began in the last quarter of 2010 with anticipated completion March 2011.
