November 06, 2009
North Vancouver, British Columbia
Today, the Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of International Trade and Minister of the Asia-Pacific Gateway, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, and Pat Bell, Minister of Forests and Range, announced federal and provincial funding for FPInnovations to advance the production of value-added wood products in British Columbia.
“Our Government is committed to helping B.C.’s value-added wood industry succeed in today’s competitive market,” said Minister Day. “This investment is helping to ensure that emerging businesses have the resources to diversify our traditional industries, which will create jobs and opportunity for British Columbians.
“We have a clear vision for more diverse, higher-value manufacturing in British Columbia,” said Forests and Range Minister Pat Bell. “This funding will support innovation and broad partnership among stakeholders to help smaller value-added producers that are challenged by their size to expand or develop new markets.”
The Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia are delivering the $1.58 million investment through the Western Economic Partnership Agreement (WEPA), a joint, multi-million dollar agreement designed to encourage economic development in the West.
Funding will allow FPInnovations to implement the second phase of the Business Innovation Partnership for companies involved in the production of value-added wood products. The program will support FPInnovations to build industry capacity through a three-tiered approach. Project components include: general industry services, such as workshops on issues faced by industry; sector-specific services, such as industry development projects with groups of companies; and company-specific projects, such as working directly with companies to help them implement new processes, technologies or other manufacturing information.
“The major focus of the program announced today will be enhanced opportunities for B.C. businesses in the wood products sector," said Roland Baumeister, FPInnovations. "Companies will have help to develop unique products, improve processes, and implement tools and business practices such as Lean Manufacturing, that will help them become more profitable.”
The Business Innovation Partnership was piloted in 2008/09 as a vehicle to develop the business capacity of B.C.’s value-added wood industry. Delivered jointly by B.C. Wood Specialties Group, FPInnovations – Forintek and UBC’s Centre for Advanced Wood Processing, the combined effort is helping B.C.'s value-added wood manufacturing industry strengthen its business practices and become more globally competitive.
FPInnovations is a world leader in creating science-based solutions that support the global competitiveness of the Canadian forest sector. Created through the merger of Canada's primary forest sector research institutes, FPInnovations is a not-for-profit organization employing more than 600 staff, with research laboratories and technology transfer offices throughout the country.
The investment by the Governments of Canada and British Columbia is made through the Canada-British Columbia Western Economic Partnership Agreement (WEPA). Both Canada and B.C. are contributing $25 million each, over four years, to strengthen economic activity and improve quality of life in western Canadian communities.
For additional information, contact:
Donna Howes
Communications Manager
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Tel: (604) 666-1318
Cell: (604) 505-6616
Cheekwan Ho
Public Affairs Officer
Province of British Columbia
Tel: (250) 387-8482
Mr. Roland Baumeister
Manager - Secondary Manufacturing Dept.
FPInnovations
Tel: (604) 222-5672
Website: http://www.fpinnovations.ca/
WD Toll-Free Number:1 888 338-WEST (9378)
Teletypewriter (TTY): 1 877 303-3388
Website: WD is online at www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
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