Ontario invests $1.6 million to build new 30,000-square-foot manufacturing facility
The Ontario government has committed $1.6 million to support a major expansion and modernisation project at the Bernie McGlynn Lumber Ltd. sawmill in Mildmay.
The investment will more than double Bernie McGlynn Lumber Ltd.’s production capacity, boost output by 47%, create five new jobs, and safeguard 13 existing positions. The funding is part of Ontario’s broader strategy to strengthen the forest sector, helping businesses and workers remain competitive and resilient amid ongoing U.S. tariff pressures.
“Our government is proud to support projects that help forestry businesses expand, modernize and remain competitive in changing global markets,” said Kevin Holland, Associate Minister of Forestry and Forest Products. “Through our forest sector roadmap, we will continue making strategic investments that protect forestry jobs, strengthen Ontario’s competitive advantage and maintain our position as a G7 leader in producing and selling high-quality forest products.” Kevin added further.
Founded in 1964, Bernie McGlynn Lumber Ltd. is a family-owned hardwood sawmill based in Mildmay, producing a wide range of wood products including dimensional lumber, hardwood flooring, doors, trim, live-edge slabs, firewood, and mulch.
“We would like to thank the Forest Sector Investment and Innovation Program (FSIIP) for selecting our project to help us achieve our advancement in the manufacturing of forest products and advancement into thermal modification of our Canadian wood species for indoor and outdoor use,” said Bernie and Doreen McGlynn of Bernie McGlynn Lumber Ltd.
Through the Forest Sector Investment and Innovation Program, the Ontario government is supporting Bernie McGlynn Lumber’s $5.3 million expansion project, which includes the construction of a new 30,000-square-foot facility and the installation of advanced equipment such as Ontario’s first thermal-treating kiln system and a double-bladed bandsaw. The upgrades are expected to improve production efficiency, enhance product quality, and enable the company to introduce new offerings, including siding, decking, and fencing, as sustainable alternatives to composite and plastic products.
Once completed, the project is expected to strengthen forestry supply chains across the region and boost log purchases by 50%. The increased demand for locally harvested wood will support harvesting, hauling, and trucking operations while expanding the supply of Ontario-made wood products in the market.
This investment represents the government’s latest initiative under the Roadmap to Protecting Ontario’s Forest Sector, the province’s strategy to defend, adapt, and grow the industry by safeguarding forestry jobs, strengthening supply chains, and expanding global demand for Ontario-made forest products.
Image courtesy: Woodworking Network
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