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San Group to expand San Forest Products and Acorn Sawmill

B.C.’s San Group has announced a $23-million expansion project at the company’s flag ship value-added division, San Forest Products in Port Alberni, and the newly acquired Acorn Sawmill in Delta.

The company says the investments will allow them to develop new markets focused on high-quality shelving products for big box stores.

The expansion project will break ground in Q4 and extend into next year.

“We are highly integrated and these advancements allow us to add efficiencies and realize economies of scale. The two projects create further synergistic effects on sales integration, allowing us to expand our product base. Additionally, we will need to focus on hiring more skilled workers to handle the increased capacity. We are excited to break ground!” John Langstroth, San Group’s senior vice-president, said in a news release.

The company’s Port Alberni mill expansion will see the installation of an Anthem Line – a fully automized system designed to develop edge glued panels extending to eight feet.

“Anthem line’s advanced manufacturing process not only helps improve San Group’s product portfolio, but also increases the company’s push to create downstream high value products for global export,” the company said.

The Acorn Forest Products expansion will see a new auto grader and dry kilns installed. The projects are expected to enhance the mill’s output capacity and reduce waste.

San Group purchased the mill from Interfor in Q2 of this year.

Editor’s note: Read our latest profile on the company, Reman redefined: Checking in on San Group’s Port Alberni operation.