Major investment by Canada Economic Development and Natural Resources Canada

News Release

Government of Canada supports development of Uniboard Canada mill in Sayabec

July 14, 2015 - Sayabec, Quebec - Government of Canada

The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, and the Honourable Greg Rickford, Minister of Natural Resources Canada and Minister for the Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario, announce that Uniboard Canada Inc. has been granted financial assistance to improve the productivity and production capacity of its Sayabec mill in Bas-Saint-Laurent.

This support, which totals $5.3 million, is being awarded in the form of a $3 million repayable contribution through CED’s Quebec Economic Development Program and of a $2.3 million non-repayable contribution through Natural Resource Canada’s Investments in Forest Industry Transformation program.

Quick facts

Uniboard Canada Inc. is Quebec’s leading manufacturer of thermofused melamine panels, medium-density fiberboard (MDF), high-density fiberboard (HDF), laminate flooring and decorative wood products.
With its 380 employees, the company’s Sayabec mill is the largest industrial employer in the La Matapédia RCM as well as the largest integrated particleboard manufacturing facility in North America. The mill produces value-added particleboard and melamine panels for the manufacture of, among other things, ready-to-assemble furniture, countertops, kitchen cabinets and exterior coverings.
The two-phased project involves integrating a European technology for the high-temperature steam preheating of raw particleboard and subsequently adding a panel laminating line to better meet the diverse demands of the market.
The funding from both CED and Natural Resources Canada will go to financing the acquisition and installation costs. This project will generate an overall investment of $29,575,000.

Quotes

“Our government believes that economic prosperity is achieved through investments like the one Uniboard Canada is about to make to raise the production capacity and competitiveness of its Sayabec mill. Today’s announcement illustrates our commitment to supporting projects that further the economic growth of the regions of Quebec.”
Denis Lebel, Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec

“Today’s announcement will help create jobs and prosperity for Quebecers and all Canadians. This investment will enable the Canadian forest sector to become more innovative, all within a perspective of sustainable development. Our Government is proud to support projects that contribute to the innovation and competitiveness of the forest sector while ensuring its sustainable development.”
Greg Rickford, Minister of Natural Resources Canada

“The shareholders of Uniboard Canada inc. are proud that our company is to become the first in North America to make use of this innovative technology for the preheating of the particleboard mats. The project will enable the Sayabec facility to boost its production capacity and improve productivity. With these major investments, the company will ensure the mill’s viability and better serve the needs of its clients.”
James N. Hogg, President and CEO, Uniboard Canada inc.

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Sources:

Media Relations
Canada Economic Development for
Quebec Regions
Tel.: 514-283-8818
E-mail: media@dec-ced.gc.ca

Vincent Rabault
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Denis Lebel
Canada Economic Development
for Quebec Regions
Tel.: 514-496-1282
E-mail: vincent.rabault@miga-maig.gc.ca

Media Relations
Natural Resources Canada
Ottawa
Tel.: 613-992-4447

Alexandra Lemieux
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Natural Resources Canada
Tel.: 613-996-2007

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Hon. Greg Rickford Hon. Denis Lebel Natural Resources Canada Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions Science and Technology Economics and Industry

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Date modified:: 2015-07-14

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Major investment by Canada Economic Development and Natural Resources Canada

News Release

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