Province Supports Lumber Company Committed to the Environment

A well-established, rural-based manufacturing company is creating up to 32 new jobs and increasing sales through a commitment to the environment.

Marwood Ltd. operates three wood processing plants in Nova Scotia. A $2.95-million loan from the province will help the company expand and invest in new technologies to increase the yield from raw materials, both reducing and reusing waste associated with the production of wood products.

"Marwood is a company that recognizes the connection between a healthy environment and a healthy economy," said Agriculture Minister Brooke Taylor on behalf of Economic Development Minister Richard Hurlburt. "This company is a great example as they make the most of every tree harvested -- nothing is wasted."

Mr. Taylor said the expansion will not only create new jobs in the area but increased production means more business for local suppliers.

Marwood Ltd. manufactures pressure treated lumber and house siding products, mainly for the export market. The $12.6 million expansion project will help the company streamline their production process so that waste materials, like wood chips, are reused to make new products. The company plans to build a new, updated sawmill at their Glenholme facility, improve storage capacity at the Bedford site and improve their material handling operations in Brookfield plant.

Mike O'Donnell, executive vice-president of Marwood Ltd, said the company welcomes the support of the province. "This repayable loan will assist Marwood with modernizing its manufacturing facilities and protect jobs in rural Nova Scotia."

Marwood Ltd. employs 140 people and with the expansion, plans to create up to 32 new jobs.

The loan is provided by the Industrial Expansion Fund and is repayable over seven years. The fund offers a variety of financial assistance to help the province's economy. Over the past two years, it has helped create or maintain more than 3,000 jobs in the province and has a return on investment of three dollars for every dollar spent.