The Ontario government invested $10 million to assist Daiken North America in upgrading its laminated board production line at its Huntsville manufacturing plant.
The government’s $10 million investment supports Daiken’s $70 million project, which will equip the facility to manufacture a new type of wood panel for flooring, RVs, and modular housing, all while supporting 128 existing jobs and creating 10 new jobs.
“Ontario’s forestry sector is a key pillar of our economy, supporting over 100,000 jobs across the province,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “Through the Forest Sector Investment and Innovation Program, our government is ensuring companies like Daiken can scale their operations, which will not only strengthen our domestic manufacturing supply chains but expand the reach of Ontario-made products to new markets, increasing the sector’s resilience and competitiveness.”
According to officials, this new-made-in-Ontario wood panel is a global first that provides a superior performance compared to imported materials while remaining more affordable.
Officials said it will be made available to domestic and international markets, enhancing Ontario’s reputation as a world-recognized manufacturer of innovative and sustainably-sourced wood products.
The project is also expected to strengthen the regional forest sector by, according to officials, opening a new market for underutilized wood and providing support for 28 local forest businesses.
The funding was made through the Forest Sector Investment and Innovation Program, which aims to boost global competitiveness by enabling these companies to develop and implement innovative technologies and improve productivity.
Kevin Holland, Associate Minister of Forestry and Forest Products, said the forest sector generated $21.6 billion in revenue from manufactured goods and services in 2023 and supported 128,000 direct and indirect jobs in 2024.
“Through the program, Ontario is funding over 14 per cent of this project’s total cost of $70 million, affirming our commitment to prosperity in Ontario’s communities,” said Holland.
