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Province giving Tolko $8-million to expand Heffley Creek mill in Kamloops

Victor Kaisar
May 9, 2024 | 4:32 PM


Province giving Tolko $8-million to expand Heffley Creek mill in Kamloops

The B.C. Government is giving Tolko Industries up to $8 million, allowing it to expand its Heffley Creek operation in Kamloops.

The Province says the money – which is coming from the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund (BCMJF) – will allow the mill to produce specialty, industrial, and engineered wood products to support new home construction, as well as commercial, furniture, millwork, door and window, and non-residential building systems.

It says the money will allow Tolko to create 20 jobs and maintain approximately 250 direct roles at the mill.

“We’re taking action to support innovative manufacturing companies using new technology to diversify their operations and get the most value out of every tree harvested,” B.C. Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation Brenda Bailey said.

“By supporting advanced engineered wood products, we’re seeing companies protect and create the good, family-supporting jobs that are a part of our Industrial Blueprint ensuring the stronger, cleaner economic future of B.C.”

The Province is also giving Tolko’s Lake Country Division up to $45,760 in BCMJF funding so it can explore the use of robotics in the production of non-residential, made-in-B.C. wood products.

“Tolko’s history began, and remains, strongly rooted in B.C.,” Tolko President and CEO Brad Thorlakson said. “For over 65 years, we’ve continued to innovate and grow, and through this expansion, we’re proud to not only build on our suite of value-added products, but also support associated jobs through the integration of our business.”

“Today’s announcement is testament to our government’s commitment to innovation and the forest products industry and we’re thankful for their support.”

The Province says the BCMJF has committed up to $91.3 million to 81 organizations in the manufacturing sector, with $70 million of that going to 51 forestry sector organizations.

It says the money committed to date will help create more than 1,100 jobs and protect nearly 2,000 existing manufacturing jobs throughout B.C., more than 2,500 of which are in the forestry sector.