Equipment at Jovalco moved after being bought by sawmill in Lanaudière

Equipment at Jovalco moved after being bought by sawmill in Lanaudière

The following is a translation. The original article in French is available here.

A transaction in the forestry industry could change the plans of MRC Pontiac Warden Jane Toller, who had hoped to see the site reopened in the next few weeks. Produit Forestier Jovalco, located at 2460 Hwy. 148 in Litchfield has officially been acquired by Scierie St-Michel, which does most of its business in St-Michel-des-Saints, north of the Lanaudière region. So far, it’s mainly equipment that’s been moved, and according to CHIP 101.9 sources, the company’s objective is not to make the Jovalco site operational, but to add the purchased equipment to its operations elsewhere for the time being. This complicates the task of the warden, who stated this winter that a new owner was about to acquire the Jovalco site. Jovalco, which had been for sale for some time, finally found a buyer, but one who seems to have different plans.

Back in January, following the official announcement of the reopening of Commonwealth Plywood in Rapides-des-Joachims, Toller stated that the next forestry company to reopen in the Pontiac was Jovalco. Back at November’s MRC meeting, Toller said that Énergie Davidson representative, Bruno St-Cyr, needed “to do more work on his business plan”. Reached by CHIP 101.9, Toller said she still believes in the possibility of reopening the Jovalco site, but with another company that might be interested.

Further talks?

In an exchange of text messages, Toller expressed optimism, despite the most recent events. She said: “The company I’m in communications with is still interested. They hope to be able to use the equipment that has not yet been moved.” According to some MRC Pontiac elected officials who asked to remain anonymous, a company that builds wooden pallets is in talks with the warden. More information to come.