NEWS RELEASE
Uniting the value-added industry for market growth
Vancouver BC – BC Wood Specialties Group (BC Wood) is pleased that the Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations, Steve Thomson, has launched the creation of a Wood Secretariat to promote and grow BC’s value-added and specialty wood manufacturing sector. “A Team BC approach is critical to address the unique challenges in our sector and to facilitate growth”, said Rob Mitchell, chair of BC Wood. “Bringing together the whole value-added industry in this collaborative effort is a watershed moment and key to future growth and job creation.”
The value-added sector, with sales of $2.8 billion, employs over 12,500 workers across 589 value-added businesses, and growing it has been a focus of industry and government for some time. Prior to the establishment of the Wood Secretariat, there was no single working group of industry and government players to push the growth agenda forward and accelerate progress. Partnering with BC Wood and government in this endeavor are the Interior Lumber Manufacturers’ Association and the Independent Wood Processors Association of BC.
The Wood Secretariat will focus on key factors that affect the value-added sector’s competitiveness including; access to markets, access to skills training, access to innovation and access to fibre.
About BC Wood Specialties Group
Founded in 1989, BC Wood is a not-for-profit trade association representing BC’s value-added wood product manufacturers which produce millwork, furniture, cabinets, specialty lumber products, log and timber frame construction, pre-built structures and engineered wood products. BC Wood’s purpose is to assist these companies’ growth through business development and capacity building services. BC Wood also works to increase awareness of BC’s value-added products and companies and connects them with buyers and specifiers worldwide.
For interviews or more information contact: Brian Hawrysh, CEO (604)-882-7100