VANDERHOOF — As of March 22, Nechako Lumber, Nechako Green Energy, L&M Lumber and Premium Pellets are no longer independently owned and managed but have now come under the management of Sinclar Group Forest Products.
Robert Stewart Holdings and Ivan Andersen Holdings now have 100% ownership of the four operations. Previously, the families held a 50% combined ownership stake.
“The Andersen and Stewart families have been involved with Nechako and L&M for almost half a century, and we appreciate the partnership we have had with the local owners over that time,” said Greg Stewart, President of Sinclar Group. “However, ownership changes such as this are part of the evolution of companies.”
Sinclar Group does not expect to make major changes at the Vanderhoof operations, and the community should not notice any changes in the way the company does business in the community, said President, Sinclar Group Forest Products Ltd.
“We plan to be a part of the Vanderhoof community for years to come, and we look forward to continuing to produce the quality lumber and residual products these mills have been known for.”
Sinclar Group is an integrated forest products company based in Prince George. Sinclar Group has acted as the exclusive sales agent for Nechako since the initial partnership was established 48 years ago. In addition to the Vanderhoof operations, Sinclar Group also operates Apollo Forest Products in Fort St. James, and Lakeland Mills and Winton Homes in Prince George.
Nechako and L&M together produce approximately 220 million board feet of lumber per year. Nechako Green Energy produces 2MW of electricity from the residual heat generated on site. Premium Pellets uses residuals from the local lumber industry to produce 180,000 metric tonnes of wood pellets per year.
“There won’t be any layoffs. It’s business as usual on site” said Cam McAlpine of PRMedia Strategic Communications who is the assigned spokesperson to field quiestions from the public.
When asked about the circumstances around the management team change Stewart said “This sort of transition is common among private companies as they evolve” adding “the Sinclar Group has a 48 year history as an operational leader in the industry.”
- files from PRMedia