Resource sector investments to create, protect jobs in region

Jan 17, 2024 | 12:20 PM

B.C.’s resource sector is getting some support, creating more jobs in the province including in the Shuswap and Columbia regions.

The province has announced funding for six wood-product manufacturers and two fabricated-metal manufactures, which is expected to create and protect hundreds of resource-sector jobs and strengthen the value-added wood sector.

“Forestry jobs support families across the province, including in smaller and rural communities. By helping companies get more jobs per tree through manufacturing here at home, we’re supporting a brighter future for forest workers,” Premier David Eby said.

“The latest round of jobs secured through the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund will get more people working on innovative equipment, producing new value-added wood products and reaching new markets so they can pay the mortgage, support their families and strengthen their local community.”

Up to $8.6-million is being invested through the B.C. Manufacturing Jobs Fund (BCJF) to fund eight capital projects for these manufacturers, two of which are located in the Columbia Shuswap.

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Access Precision Machining Ltd. in Salmon Arm will receive up to $800,000 to purchase seven new machines, including six computer numerical control (CNC) machines, and create up to 18 new jobs, to help grow its market through international exports, increased productivity. The company is an advanced manufacturing machining and fabrication service provider than manufactures custom machine parts for several industries including oil and gas.

In Revelstoke, Downie Timber Ltd., a lumber-maker and remanufacturing wood processor, will receive up to $850,000 to purchase and commission a new barker system. The funds will also be used to upgrade the facility so it can reduce its reliance on old-growth fibre and optimize operations, protecting 229 existing jobs in the process.

“Natural resources helped build this incredible province and the local economies that are the foundation of B.C.,” Brenda Bailey, minister of jobs, economic development and innovation, said.

“The BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund helps B.C.’s forest-sector operators modernize and adopt the new, innovative technologies that get more jobs out of every tree harvested, while creating secure, sustainable jobs in forestry.”

The other projects supported through the investment include acquiring and putting to use improved machinery equipment, re-purposing wood waste, improved lumber remanufacturing, and finding uses for second-growth fibre. These investments are expected to create over 150 jobs additional jobs throughout B.C.

The province stated the investments through the BCMJF will not only support the manufacturing sector and create jobs, it will also benefit local economies.

by Liam Verster

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