Ontario Invests $3.5M to Strengthen Forestry Sector and Support Jobs

TORONTO — Ontario is investing more than $3.5 million to modernize the province’s forestry sector, supporting local manufacturers, protecting jobs, and helping the industry remain competitive amid U.S. tariffs.

The funding, delivered through the Forest Sector Investment and Innovation Program, will provide businesses with advanced manufacturing technologies to improve productivity, launch new product lines, and expand into domestic and international markets.

Boosting Ontario’s Wood Product Manufacturers

Two companies are the focus of this investment:

• DSI Industries, an office furniture manufacturer, will receive $2.5 million to install automated finishing equipment. The upgrade is expected to double plant capacity by 200 per cent, reduce production time by half, and create two new jobs while retaining 31 existing positions.

• Diamond CNC, a kitchen cabinet manufacturer, is receiving more than $1 million to install robotic systems that automate material handling. This investment will improve quality control, increase production by 160 per cent, and create three new jobs while retaining five existing ones.

Together, these projects are expected to generate close to $4 million in annual purchases across Ontario’s forestry supply chain.

Government Commitment to Forestry

Kevin Holland, Ontario’s Associate Minister of Forestry and Forest Products, highlighted the sector’s importance to the province’s economy.
“Our world-class forest sector builds a stronger economy and stronger communities across Ontario,” said Holland. “Our government’s targeted investments are reinforcing made-in-Ontario wood products as a competitive choice for consumers and markets worldwide, building a competitive forest sector that can stand firm against U.S. trade pressure.”

Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, said the funding reflects the province’s focus on building conditions for investment and growth.
“Today’s investments from DSI Industries and Diamond CNC will help strengthen Ontario’s wood manufacturing industry, boost sales of made-in-Ontario products globally, and create good-paying jobs for the region,” said Fedeli. “Amid global economic uncertainty, our government will continue to create the right conditions for businesses to invest, expand, and succeed right here in Ontario.”

Building Resiliency in the Face of Tariffs

Ontario’s forestry sector supports thousands of jobs across the province and plays a key role in both rural and urban economies. With rising trade pressures, including ongoing U.S. tariffs on wood products, the province is positioning itself as a global competitor by supporting modernization and innovation.

Since its launch, the Forest Sector Investment and Innovation Program has provided more than $72 million in funding, leveraging $425 million in private-sector investment. This has helped companies adopt new technologies, scale operations, and compete internationally.

The $3.5 million announced today also builds on Ontario’s broader strategies, including the Sustainable Growth: Ontario’s Forest Sector Strategy and the Forest Biomass Action Plan, both aimed at securing long-term growth and sustainability for the industry.

A Competitive Edge for Ontario

By backing upgrades at companies like DSI Industries and Diamond CNC, Ontario is reinforcing its reputation as a hub for innovation in forestry and wood manufacturing. The investments are expected not only to safeguard jobs but also to increase the availability of high-quality, Ontario-made wood products in global markets.

For workers and communities across the province, these commitments provide a measure of stability at a time of economic uncertainty — and ensure Ontario remains a leader in the forestry sector well into the future.

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