B.C. Government Grants for Business Expansion

A Nelson wood manufacturing company is set to receive a $7.5-million grant from the B.C. government aimed at expanding its North Shore facility.

Spearhead Timberworks

Spearhead Timberworks specializes in designing and producing customizable, advanced wood structures for both residential and commercial markets. This expansion will enhance production capabilities for their custom glue-laminated timber.

The announcement was made on April 23 by three cabinet ministers: Diana Gibson (Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation), Ravi Parmar (Minister of Forests), and Brittny Anderson (Minister of State for Local Governments and Rural Communities, and MLA for Kootenay Central).

Gibson emphasized the significance of the manufacturing sector amid challenges from the U.S. administration, stating, "What we are seeing here today is a company working to create, here in Nelson, bread-winning, community-supporting jobs – quality jobs, high-end jobs."

Job Creation

The new facility is expected to add approximately 60 jobs, effectively doubling the company's workforce.

B.C. Manufacturing Jobs Fund

This funding is part of the B.C. Manufacturing Jobs Fund, which aims to support local businesses in value-added production, particularly within the forest sector.

Other businesses benefiting from this initiative include:

• Mercer Celgar in Castlegar, receiving $1.75 million to modernize its pulp mill and biorefinery.
• Westlam Industries in Langley, granted $1.5 million for construction-grade plywood manufacturing.
• Greyback Construction in Penticton, awarded $235,000 to diversify into prefabricated housing.

Josh Hall, a partner at Spearhead, stated, "This investment from the province will help us showcase B.C.'s remarkable wood resources globally, while creating long-term jobs at home."

Future of the Forest Sector

The forest ministry aims to reduce raw log exports and create new manufacturing jobs in the sector. Minister Parmar noted the frustration among British Columbians regarding the underutilization of local logs, stating, "We ship them out without getting the most value."