Ben Hokum Cuts Ribbon on Upgraded Killaloe Town Samill Facility

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Ben Hokum & Sons sawmill in Killaloe Town, Ontario announced completion of major upgrades to the facility. The company had invested over $20 million in upgrades.

The ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the official opening of the upgraded facility was held on April 25, 2019. The participants amongst others included John Yakabuski, Minister of Natural Resources and Foresty and top officials from the company.

The state-of-the-art 3D sawmill line makes it the most technologically advanced mill in the region. The 3D line is considered as the first phase of a five-year expansion program. According to company sources, the works are already underway to replace the grading shed with an automatic sorter. It is also installing an automated tray system that will prepare the full bundles for packaging, after they come out of the sorter. Hokum expects to generate additional jobs in the region upon completion of the upgrade in 2022.

Commenting on the upgrade, Yakabuski stated that the upgrades will not only help the sawmill to boost production, but also prove to be helpful to harvesters as well as manufacturers. The investment is not to be seen as an investment in Ben Hokum & Sons, but as an investment in the community and forestry sector as a whole.

The current upgrades and expansion has increased the production capacity of the mill and has made the mill safer for the employees. Furthermore, it will contribute to the bright future of communities who depend on forestry for their livelihood.