The Ontario government is investing over $3.5 million through the Forest Sector Investment and Innovation Program to support Ontario’s forestry sector and bring more made-in-Ontario wood products to market. The funding will provide businesses with advanced manufacturing technology to launch new product lines for local and international markets, create jobs and boost productivity. As part of its plan to protect Ontario, the government is helping forest sector businesses adapt, compete and grow to stay resilient in the face of U.S. tariffs.
“Our world-class forest sector builds a stronger economy and stronger communities across Ontario,” said Kevin Holland, associate minister of forestry and forest products. “Our government’s targeted investments are reinforcing made-in-Ontario wood products as a competitive choice for consumers and markets worldwide, building a competitive forest sector that can stand firm against U.S. trade pressure.”
Ontario’s investment will enhance operations at two forest sector businesses
- DSI Industries, an office furniture manufacturer, is receiving $2.5 million to install automated finishing equipment. The investment will cut production time in half and boost plant capacity by 200 per cent, creating two new jobs and retaining 31 existing jobs.
- Diamond CNC, a kitchen cabinet manufacturer, is receiving over $1 million to install robotic systems which automate material handling. The investment will improve quality control and increase production by 160 per cent, creating three new jobs and retaining five existing jobs.
“Today’s investments from DSI Industries and Diamond CNC will help strengthen Ontario’s wood manufacturing industry, boost sales of made-in-Ontario products globally, and create good-paying jobs for the region,” said Vic Fedeli, minister of economic development, job creation and trade. “Amid global economic uncertainty, our government will continue to create the right conditions for businesses to invest, expand, and succeed right here in Ontario.”
Boosting production at DSI Industries and Diamond CNC will positively impact Ontario’s forestry supply chain, adding close to $4 million in annual purchases. To date, the Forest Sector Investment and Innovation Program has provided over $72 million in funding, leveraging $425 million in new investment to help Ontario forestry companies adopt innovative technologies to stay competitive in the global market.
Today’s investment builds on the government’s work to protect Ontario forest sector workers and businesses through strategic investments and actions in the Sustainable Growth: Ontario’s Forest Sector Strategy and the Forest Biomass Action Plan.
"Diamond CNC is proud to showcase our advancements in manufacturing with the establishment of Canada's first fully automated woodworking facility,” said Mike Clare, Diamond CNC’s chief financial officer.
“This achievement is made possible through our strategic partnership with CNC Automation and a significant investment in cutting-edge Nanxing machinery, revolutionizing our production efficiency and quality. We are excited to lead the way in innovation and industry growth. We thank the Ontario government for their confidence in us and their investiture, which made this whole project possible."
