MACKINNON VISITS SAWMILL EXPANSION IN GLASLYN

An important component of Saskatchewan's forest development plan was

launched today. Economic and Co-operative Development Minister Janice

MacKinnon today welcomed the announcement of a $2 million investment

that will create 120 direct and indirect jobs. L & M Wood Products

announced their plans to expand and improve their existing sawmill and

wood treatment facility in Glaslyn.



"This expansion is an exciting example of how we will be doing more

manufacturing in Saskatchewan by applying technology and innovation to

create marketable products," MacKinnon said. "We are making better

and smarter use of our forestry resource so that we can create

thousands of new jobs and opportunities while still preserving our

precious forests."



The expanded sawmill and wood treatment facility will manufacture a

diverse line of wood products, including pressure-treated lumber and

fence posts, corral rails, guard rail posts and mine timbers. As

well, the company will be selling waste wood chips to other mills to

be used for value-added processing, which will reduce future demand on

standing timber. The upgrade of the facility will also improve

environmental management of the site.



"We are pleased to announce the opening of our new wood treatment

plant," Pat Delainey, president of L & M Wood Products said.

"The increase in wood supply will have a positive effect on

employment opportunities in the Glaslyn area."



An important component of the forest development plan is that

environmental sustainability will be the foundation for growth in

the forestry sector. The new Forest Resources Management Act and

regulations which came into effect on April 1, 1999 will ensure

that activities in the forest are sustainable over the long term

and that the health of the ecosystem is protected.



The upgrade of the sawmill and wood treatment facility is part of

an expansion of the forest industry in Saskatchewan that will

result in the creation of as many as 10,000 direct and indirect

jobs over the next three years. Additional jobs are expected in

manufacturing, agri-forestry and research and development over

the next 10 years. There will also be more than $850 million

dollars of private sector investment in forestry.



"This project is an expression of confidence in Saskatchewan's

economy by communities and industry," MacKinnon said. "It

reflects our commitment to a full-participation society where all

people can share in the benefits of our economic success."



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For more information contact:



Bob Ellis

Economic & Co-operative Development

Regina

Phone: (306) 787-1691