A sawmill has many suppliers, but there are none more important than the forest. Without the forest, there would be no logs for a sawmill to operate, there would be no lumber, no wood chips and no shavings. We would be deprived of the main ingredient for paper, facial tissue and paper towel. That is why we take our role as stewards of the land so seriously. 

Our vertical integration starts with the land tenure, wood supply, tree nurseries, silviculture (tree planting and tending), and logging operations. Since 1882, our approach to sustainability has been simple - if we look after the forest, the forest will look after us. This approach requires balancing the short term needs of the business with the long-term vision required to nurture generations of forests.

Healthy, growing forests are good for everyone ecologically and economically. From creating jobs to conserving land, managing these values over time is the foundation of our sustainability framework and guides our actions today and for future generations. 

Forests in the regions where we operate take between 40 and 80 years to grow. When we harvest and process a tree, we have a responsibility to maximize its value. We do this by using every part of the tree and leaving nothing to waste. 

This starts with precision harvesting where computer controlled and satellite connected harvesters cut wood with millimeter precision. Our manufacturing facilities then use the latest scanning and imaging technology to maximize yields.

With advancing technologies like these, we continually strive to add value to all byproducts produced by our manufacturing operations, seeking new markets and product development lines. Our pellet mill Grand River Pellets is an example of adding value to low-value sawdust and shavings to produce low carbon energy for international customers.