An Agassiz-based manufacturer has teamed up with a Chilliwack-area First Nations community to launch a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility.
The new facility will focus on thermal modification manufacturing, which creates wood products with augmented stability and durability, making them ideal for construction and architecture. This partnership aims to reduce PowerWood relying on old-growth wood fibre, which creates more sustainable forestry practices by incorporating underutilized tree species from second-growth forests.
"This partnership with the Squiala First Nation marks a significant milestone in our commitment to sustainability and innovation," PowerWood's president and managing director Jake Power said in a statement on Monday (Oct. 7). "Our new thermal modification facility will not only allow us to produce top-tier wood products but also support the responsible use of B.C.'s second-growth forests. We are thrilled to be leading this important shift within the wood manufacturing industry."
Squiala Chief David Jimmie thanked the provincial government for their support through the B.C. Manufacturing Jobs Fund as well as the Investments in Forest Industry Transformation programs.
"The Squiala economic development board with support from (Chilliwack CPA) Trevor Pehlke have gone through critical aspects of diligence to ensure the partnership is the right fit for Squiala," Chief Jimmie said in a statement. "Jake Power has demonstrated his professionalism, extensive knowledge in the industry and is a forward-thinking entrepreneur, which aligns with Squiala’s strategic direction."
PowerWood will also invest $8 million into its current Agassiz facility to "improve processing speed and facilities." Future upgrades include new wood moulders, saws and packaging equipment; the equipment upgrades are slated for completion in 2026.
District of Kent Mayor Sylvia Pranger said the district was "elated" at the provincial and federal investment in PowerWood.
"Since relocating to its expanded facility in July 2021, PowerWood has been an economic generator to the district and the surrounding communities," Pranger stated. "We look forward to the positive impacts their partnership with the Squiala First Nation will bring to the region. Congratulations to Jake Power and Chief David Jimmie!"
PowerWood was originally founded in Coquitlam back in 1995 before moving to Surrey in 2002 and to Agassiz in 2021. They work with Western red and Alaskan yellow cedar to create long home building materials, siding, paneling and other custom products.
