Ontario Construction News staff writer
Ontario’s mass timber sector is about to see a significant uplift as Element5 revealed plans to grow its St. Thomas operations with a $107-million investment, which will double the company’s production capacity and create 150 new jobs.
The company, established in 2015, makes cross-laminated and glued-laminated timber from Ontario lumber. Its St. Thomas facility 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 rising demand for modular housing and eco-friendly building materials. “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 support this initiative. Economic Development Minister Vic Fedeli mentioned that this investment enhances Ontario’s manufacturing supply chains, while Natural Resources Minister Mike Harris highlighted its significance in securing “made-in-Ontario” jobs.
This announcement arrives as Ontario aims to boost advanced wood construction capabilities. In its 2025 budget, the province committed $50 million over five years to improve production lines and implement new technologies within the sector. Associate Minister of Forestry and Forest Products Kevin Holland noted that Element5’s project demonstrates how the industry can adapt amidst trade uncertainties.
The expansion has backing from Austria-based HASSLACHER group, which holds a stake in Element5. CEO Christoph Kulterer expressed that Canada’s access to raw materials and an expanding market make it an ideal spot for investment.
Ontario has invested over $13 million so far in research and innovation focused on advanced wood manufacturing. This sector forms part of a broader provincial strategy aimed at diversifying manufacturing while boosting regional economies, employing roughly 830,000 people throughout Ontario.
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