Ontario Construction News staff writer
Ontario’s mass timber sector is about to see significant growth as Element5 revealed plans to enhance its St. Thomas operations with a $107-million investment, which will double the company’s production capabilities and generate 150 new jobs.
The company, established in 2015, manufactures cross-laminated and glued-laminated timber using Ontario lumber. Its facility in St. Thomas is among the first fully automated mass timber plants in North America, providing components for residential, commercial, and institutional projects.
Element5 president Chris Latour stated that this expansion will address the increasing need for modular housing and eco-friendly building products. “We are proud to provide innovative, climate-friendly solutions at a time when Canada faces an urgent need for affordable housing and infrastructure,” he said in a statement.
The province is contributing $8 million from the Invest Ontario Fund to assist with this project. Economic Development Minister Vic Fedeli mentioned that this investment strengthens Ontario’s manufacturing supply chains, while Natural Resources Minister Mike Harris highlighted its role in securing “made-in-Ontario” jobs.
This announcement comes as Ontario aims to boost advanced wood construction capacity. In its 2025 budget, the province committed $50 million over five years to upgrade production lines and embrace new technologies within the sector. Associate Minister of Forestry and Forest Products Kevin Holland noted that Element5’s initiative demonstrates how the industry can adapt amid trade uncertainties.
The expansion is supported by Austria-based HASSLACHER group, which holds an interest in Element5. CEO Christoph Kulterer remarked that Canada’s access to raw materials along with its growing market makes it a prime location for investment.
Ontario has already invested more than $13 million into research and innovation in advanced wood manufacturing. This sector is part of a broader provincial strategy aimed at diversifying manufacturing and strengthening regional economies, employing around 830,000 people throughout Ontario.
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