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Vancouver Island wood product manufacturers receive boost

Vancouver Island’s wood-products manufacturers are gearing up for expansion and innovation, thanks to new support from the B.C. government.

Ron Anderson & Sons (RAS), based in Chemainus, is set to receive up to $2 million for a project focused on automation and advanced manufacturing. RAS is a wood-product manufacturer that builds and installs prefabricated wood-frame buildings for residential and commercial units. This initiative aims to diversify RAS’s offerings, including prefabricated floors, roof panels and stairs, creating 35 full-time positions and accelerating construction through efficient methods.

Aquila Cedar Products, based in Parksville, will receive up to $879,000 to upgrade its manufacturing capabilities, creating 20 new jobs and introducing a new line of higher-grade wood products in addition to siding, fence panels and decking.

Announced by Brenda Bailey, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation, the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund is injecting up to $5 million into 10 projects across the island. These investments are aimed at empowering manufacturers to enhance their operations, embrace new technologies, and create sustainable jobs within their communities, according to a statement from the provincial government.