Friday, September 19, 2025
Element5, a leading manufacturer in mass timber construction, is doubling its production capacity at its St. Thomas plant to meet the growing demand for sustainable, affordable housing. The $107 million investment is supported by Invest Ontario and will enhance Element5’s ability to supply the rising need for mass timber in both housing and non-residential construction projects across North America.
The expansion project includes the addition of a new facility equipped with a fully automated Glulam (glued-laminated timber) production line. This will increase Element5’s capacity to manufacture both Glulam and cross-laminated timber (CLT), essential components for modular construction. These materials are vital for reducing carbon footprints in construction, offering a renewable, low-carbon alternative to traditional materials like concrete and steel.
Element5’s investment will not only double production but will also create 150 new jobs, increasing the company’s workforce to over 300 employees. This expansion supports Ontario’s broader push for more affordable, climate-conscious housing options.
Element5 has been a critical player in the Canadian construction market, particularly in affordable housing projects. The company has completed nine major housing projects across Ontario, including a notable four-storey supportive housing building in Kitchener. This project was completed in just one year, from design to delivery, demonstrating the speed and efficiency that mass timber construction can offer.
As Element5 continues to grow, its contributions will play a pivotal role in addressing Canada’s housing crisis by offering a quicker, more sustainable building solution. The company’s use of mass timber allows for faster construction while ensuring minimal environmental impact.
Ontario’s forestry resources play a key role in Element5’s expansion. With forests covering nearly two-thirds of the province’s land area, Element5 has direct access to sustainably sourced lumber, which will be used to manufacture Glulam and CLT at the expanded St. Thomas facility.
This investment is expected to provide a boost to Ontario’s forestry and wood manufacturing sectors. By increasing the production of these building materials, Element5 will reduce reliance on imported materials, helping to strengthen Ontario’s local supply chains and foster regional economic growth.
“We are proud to provide innovative, sustainable building solutions that help address Canada’s urgent need for affordable, climate-friendly housing,” said Chris Latour, President of Element5. “With our expanded operations, we are even better positioned to support communities across Ontario and North America.”
Element5’s expansion will not only provide direct employment opportunities but will also have a broader economic impact across Ontario. The project is expected to create over 150 new jobs and support thousands more in the forestry and manufacturing sectors. The increased demand for mass timber products will help Ontario’s forestry sector remain competitive, unlocking new opportunities for local workers, builders, and homeowners.
Ontario’s forestry sector plays a vital role in the province’s economy, supporting tens of thousands of jobs. By expanding its mass timber operations, Element5 contributes to a greener, more sustainable future for Ontario, while also supporting the province’s manufacturing supply chain.
Hon. Vic Fedeli, Ontario’s Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation, and Trade, stated, “As our government delivers on our plan to protect Ontario, Element5’s expansion will create over a hundred new jobs and bolster the province’s wood manufacturing supply chain, increasing the forestry sector’s competitiveness and unlocking new opportunities for workers, builders, and homeowners.”
Founded in 2015, Element5 has rapidly emerged as a leader in North America’s mass timber industry. The company’s innovative approach to manufacturing, combined with its commitment to sustainability, has made it a key supplier for affordable housing, commercial, industrial, and municipal projects. Last year, Element5 received a strategic investment from its parent company, the HASSLACHER group, an Austrian-based timber producer. This partnership has helped fuel the expansion of Element5’s operations and will further accelerate its growth in the coming years.
The expansion project will be supported with a loan of up to $8 million through the Invest Ontario Fund, contingent on reaching a definitive agreement. The government’s support is a testament to the growing recognition of mass timber’s potential to revolutionize construction and offer sustainable, affordable solutions to housing challenges.
Element5’s expanded operations represent a bold step forward in the mass timber revolution. As more builders and developers turn to sustainable construction methods, the demand for Glulam and CLT is expected to rise. Element5 is well-positioned to lead the charge in providing these innovative materials, helping to shape the future of the construction industry in Ontario and beyond.
In conclusion, this expansion will enable Element5 to play a crucial role in addressing North America’s growing need for sustainable, affordable housing. With increased production capacity, job creation, and strengthened local supply chains, Element5 is set to continue driving innovation in mass timber construction for years to come.
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Tags: Element5, glulam, mass timber, sustainable building materials, woodworking industry
