Employees, business partners and community members gathered on May 31 to celebrate Timmins sawmill 100th anniversary, a testament to the strength and vitality of the forest industry in the region.

“It’s a celebration like no other! 100 years of operations is exceptional in our cyclical, sometimes turbulent industry,” explained Kevin Edgson, EACOM President and CEO. “This story of resilience and growth is that of dedicated employees and a thriving community who relentlessly worked towards partnerships, environmental stewardship and collective success.”

Founded in 1919, the Timmins sawmill has grown and evolved, going from axes and horse-drawn carriages to iPads and continuous drying kiln. Over the past decade, EACOM Timber Corporation has invested more than $42 million to modernize the facilities and optimize every log. Technological upgrades and state-of-the-art equipment have increased performance by 23% while generating energy efficiencies of 30%. Today, Timmins sawmill is one of the most competitive wood products manufacturing facilities in Eastern Canada.

“This is a tremendous milestone that is worth celebrating. A sawmill that has been in operation for 100 years not only highlights the important role forestry has played in our past, but the important role it will continue to play in shaping the future of Ontario,” said John Yakabuski, Ontario’s Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry. “Our government is making Ontario open for business and open for jobs. We are committed to ensuring the forestry industry can attract investment, innovate and create good-paying jobs.”

From modest beginnings, the sawmill now employs 150 workers and supports 215 jobs in woodlands operations and hundreds more via vendors, contractors and transporters. Sustainable forest management lead by EACOM foresters and certification professionals has enabled the mill to flourish while protecting biodiversity, providing access to nature lovers and capturing carbon to combat climate change. Trees harvested nowadays are younger than the mill and are transformed locally to supply the North American home building market with a strong, renewable and ecological material.

“The 100th anniversary of the EACOM Mill is an extraordinary accomplishment for the people of Timmins. This mill is a symbol of the growing innovation of the forestry sector. Through the good times and the hard times this mill has worked on the principle of investment in the workforce and the renewal of our forests. Here’s to another 100 years of success,” declared Charlie Angus, MP for Timmins-James Bay.

To mark this centennial and honour the noble product that has made Timmins sawmill’s success, EACOM is donating lumber to the City of Timmins to build a pavilion for the Mountjoy Farmers Market, across the river from the mill.
“It is my honour and privilege to extend as Mayor of the City of Timmins, sincere congratulations to EACOM on the occasion of their anniversary of 100 years of operations here in Timmins. The forestry sector has been and continues to be a significant contributor to the economy of Timmins and it is indeed a pleasure to be able to celebrate this milestone with you at EACOM,” announced George Pirie, Mayor of Timmins. “As an industry, forestry, like all others, has had to make continuous improvements to all aspects of their operations to survive in an increasingly competitive and changing business environment. It could be argued that the forestry sector has had to face, respond and adapt to more economic and political pressures than any other sector of our economy. The fact that EACOM is here, thriving in Timmins, speaks to the excellence of ownership, management, staff and all employees. Timmins is indeed fortunate and grateful to have such an excellent operation here. One hundred years is a significant anniversary, so again sincere congratulations and gratitude from the City of Timmins.”

About EACOM Timber Corporation
EACOM Timber Corporation is a major Canadian wood products company. Operations include the manufacturing, marketing, and distribution of lumber and wood-based value-added products, and the management of forest resources. EACOM owns seven sawmills, a remanufacturing facility, and an engineered I-joist plant with over 1,200 employees. The Company is committed to investing in strong assets, including healthy forests, advanced technology, and talented people.
Visit our website at www.EACOM.ca and follow us on Twitter @EACOMTimberCo.