It will re-commence operations by retrofitting its Pembroke-based facility with the help of Ontario’s Industrial Electricity Incentive (IEI) programme. The re-opening of the plant will create 140 jobs.
The news is also a welcome boost to the region’s forest industry and its nearly 1,900 jobs, supplying the plant with 1,000 trucks of wood materials monthly, and is expected to create a ripple effect and spin-offs to create or sustain another 1,500 jobs.
The IEI programme allows Ontario to better manage its electricity system by encouraging industrial companies to maximise the use of available electricity. The programme spurs industrial growth and production by offering a lower price for additional electricity used.
The Ontario Government in accepting Pembroke MDF’s application for a break on energy rates gave a 20% discount, saving the company about US$4m a year for the next five years.
