Ribbon cutting held marking re-opening of Commonwealth Plywood in Rapides-des-Joachims

Ribbon cutting held marking re-opening of Commonwealth Plywood in Rapides-des-Joachims

A ribbon cutting was held this afternoon (April 19) to celebrate the reopening of the Commonwealth Plywood mill in Rapides des Joachims

The mill, which had been closed for more than a decade has been in the process of reopening since late last year. They currently employ around 20 people in the mill on one shift and have the potential to expand further.   The mill produces eastern white pine and red pine lumber for a variety of end products, from cabinetry to constructing pallets.

Owner Bill Caine Jr explained that several circumstances led to the closure back then.

Caine added that they had invested heavily to bring the machinery up to speed, especially in the electronics and software controlling the machines. He said that they were caught off guard when the government announced that they had cut their pine allocation by 40 per cent and added that they would be appealing the decision.

MRC Pontiac Warden Jane Toller explained that she had been involved in discussions about re-opening the facility since 2018 and was pleased to see them come to fruition. She added that she would be asking the provincial forestry ministry to change their decision on Commonwealth’s pine allocation.

Rapides des Joachims Mayor Doug Rousselle was thrilled with the news that the mill was open again.