Ontario Invests $10 Million to Support Daiken’s Innovative Forest Manufacturing Expansion in Huntsville
Investment strengthens Ontario’s forestry sector, supports jobs, and boosts sustainable innovation
HUNTSVILLE — The Ontario government is investing $10 million through its Forest Sector Investment and Innovation Program to help Daiken North America expand its manufacturing operations in Huntsville — a project that will create new jobs, enhance productivity, and bring an innovative wood product to market for the first time globally.
The funding supports Daiken’s $70 million facility upgrade, which will introduce a new production line for DIO woodcore, a next-generation laminated board designed for use in flooring, recreational vehicles, and modular housing. The investment will create 10 new jobs while supporting 128 existing positions, reinforcing Ontario’s position as a global leader in sustainable wood manufacturing.
“Our government’s investment in Daiken marks another chapter for our province’s innovative forest sector,” said Kevin Holland, Associate Minister of Forestry and Forest Products. “We are building new partnerships to bring global opportunities to Ontario, protect local jobs and equip our forest sector to adapt, compete and thrive.”
The project underscores Ontario’s commitment to advancing sustainable resource use while protecting against trade disruptions such as U.S. tariffs. By manufacturing this high-performance, made-in-Ontario product locally, Daiken will reduce reliance on imports and strengthen the province’s domestic supply chain.
“Through the Forest Sector Investment and Innovation Program, our government is ensuring companies like Daiken can scale their operations,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “This strengthens Ontario’s manufacturing ecosystem and expands our global reach.”
Daiken’s innovation supports Ontario’s Sustainable Growth: Forest Sector Strategy and Forest Biomass Action Plan, which aim to grow the forestry sector through technological advancement, efficient resource use, and export expansion.
Daiken’s proprietary wood panel combines the strength of oriented strand board with the smooth finish of particle board and can be manufactured in ultra-thin custom sizes, enhancing flexibility for global markets.
“Our $70 million project is ongoing toward commercial production next spring,” said Tiger Yoshiura, CEO of Daiken. “We hope DIO woodcore will bolster the local economy and make Huntsville a recognized hub of innovation in the forest industry.”
The investment also benefits 28 regional forestry businesses that supply Daiken, creating ripple effects across northern and central Ontario’s economy.
“Huntsville is proud to be home to innovators like Daiken,” said Nancy Alcock, Mayor of Huntsville. “This project highlights how Ontario-made ingenuity drives sustainability and strengthens local economies.”
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