Kamloops pulp mill gets $5M for first-of-its-kind, AI-powered technology

The province of BC has announced two multi-million dollar investments at a Kamloops mill and wood manufacturer.

On Thursday, the province announced that Kruger Kamloops Pulp mill will be receiving up to $5 million through the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund (BCMJF) to support the purchase of a first-of-its-kind technology.

A news release said the federal government is also providing $4.9 million.

The money will be used to purchase a new pressure diffusion washer with an AI-powered control system, a first for Canada.

The funds are meant to help the mill diversify its product offerings and keep the business competitive while reducing production costs.

Four new positions will be created and 340 positions will be protected, in addition to 95 during the construction phase. Another 1,000 jobs are expected to be indirectly supported through the biomass value chain, the release said.

Irene Preto, general manager, Kruger Kamloops, thanked the province for the support.

“We’re especially excited to implement an innovative technology that will optimize our manufacturing processes, improve our environmental footprint, and reinforce Kruger’s position as a competitive supplier of high-quality, ethically sourced and sustainably sound specialty pulp,” Preto said.

Additionally, Thompson River Veneer Products, which is located in the Dallas area, will be receiving up to $583,000.

The company, which is described as a value-added manufacturer that purchases dry, low-grade and green veneer from coastal producers and produces custom, high-value plywood panels used in residential and commercial construction.

They are two of nine companies receiving funding. Eight of those are capital projects and one is a planning project.

“Through the BCMJF, the Government of BC is contributing up to $11.4 million to eight forestry-sector capital projects and one planning project in communities throughout the province,” a news release said.

The other companies receiving funding include:

• Agassiz-based Power Wood Corporation is getting $3.4 million

• Langley-based Cloverdale Fuel Ltd. will receive up to $830,000

• Kelowna’s Command Industries Ltd. is getting up to $550,000

• Squamish-based Fraserwood Industries Ltd. will get up to $465,000

• North Vancouver-based Lauten Woodworking Ltd. is getting $320,000

• Richmond’s D3 Custom Cabinets will get $226,000

• Troico Home Solutions & Manufacturing in Coquitlam is getting $50,000

To date, the province has committed $123 million toward 112 projects through the BCMJF.

Helping manufacturers expand their operations to create more made-in-BC products is what the BCMJF is all about,” said Brenda Bailey, BC’s minister of jobs, economic development and innovation.