Arbec Forest Products holds official opening of Miramichi, New Brunswick, OSB mill acquired from Weyerhaeuser; premier, other provincial and federal officials attend

Audrey Dixon

MIRAMICHI, New Brunswick , November 2, 2012 (press release) – Premier David Alward and other provincial and federal officials joined company representatives to celebrate the opening of the Arbec Forest Products Inc. mill in Miramichi today.

"Our plan to rebuild New Brunswick focuses on creating jobs and economic opportunities in the Miramichi region," said Alward. "Arbec Forest Products Inc. is an important partner in re-energizing the economy of the Miramichi and in bringing our workers home to their families. Our government is proud to invest in the communities of this region and to celebrate their successes today."

The premier was joined by Miramichi MP Tilly O’Neill Gordon, who appeared on behalf of Bernard Valcourt, associate minister of national defence and minister of state for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and La Francophonie.

"Our government's top priorities are jobs, growth and long-term prosperity," said O'Neill Gordon. "Celebrating the re-opening of this mill represents in many ways the potential of this region and brings exciting news for forest industry workers and suppliers from the Miramichi region, indeed for all of New Brunswick."

Provincial and federal investments helped the company make the upgrades needed to re-establish the operation of the mill, which produces Oriented Strand Board products. The plant represents a long-term market opportunity for private woodlot owners and is expected to generate significant economic benefits in the region, creating jobs at the mill, in the wood yards and in harvesting and wood delivery operations.

"We are very pleased with the contributions of both governments to our project to re-start the Miramichi mill," said Dary Laflamme, president and chief executive officer, Arbec Forest Products Inc. “The Miramichi mill is a strategic asset for the region and will surely generate a significant contribution to the regional economy for years to come, including the creation of 112 new jobs at the mill."

The provincial government is investing $15.3 million and providing wood allocation toward the project. The federal government, through ACOA, is providing a $2-million business loan under its Business Development Program.

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