Hampden-based Lumber Producer Targets Growth

Burton’s Cove Logging and Lumber Ltd., a harvester of saw logs and lumber manufacturer, is using a $42,084 investment from the Provincial Government for workforce training. The training increases the ability of employees to better use new equipment that the company has acquired as it expands production to capitalize on market demand for lumber.

“Workforce training, whether operating in rural or urban-based industries, is an essential element of business development,” said the Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Innovation, Business and Rural Development. “As Burton’s Cove Logging and Lumber invests in new equipment with the goal of company growth, it is taking the valuable step of building the skills of its existing workforce. This approach will best position them for greater success.”

Located in Hampden, Burton’s Cove Logging and Lumber has been in operation for 20 years and employs more than 45 people. Currently, the company is undertaking a major expansion that includes a new single line for lumber production, a mechanized system for sorting logs, and a dry kiln. These investments will improve the net yield from saw logs and its competitiveness with other suppliers from outside Newfoundland and Labrador.

"New technologies require specialized training,” said Fred Osmond, Owner, Burton’s Cove Logging and Lumber. “This involves bringing in the trainers and building on our employees' existing sawmilling skills. Training is an essential part of our overall investment. We are in a rural area and we have to build local capacity to operate and maintain the new production systems."

This initiative was funded through the Workplace Skills Enhancement Program, which through Budget 2012: People and Prosperity has $2.1 million available for investment. Administered by the Department of Innovation, Business and Rural Development, the program helps small and medium-sized enterprises in strategic sectors acquire and increase the skills of employees to enhance productivity and global competitiveness. It is funded by the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Labour Market Agreement and the Strategic Training and Transition Fund.

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2012 06 15                           1:00 p.m.