Greater Trail companies will receive provincial funding to help develop new and exciting recycling/re-use projects.
As part of the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund, nearly $500,000 is being invested into Kootenay businesses to help them innovate for the future.
KC Recycling will receive up to $50,000 to help establish a facility and recycling system to separate materials in large lead acid batteries, so that it can boost its capacity.
“With support from the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund, KC Recycling has solidified its expansion plans to double capacity over the next five years,” said CEO Pete Stamper.
KC Recycling has been recycling lead acid batteries for more than 45 years and has grown to become the largest automotive battery recycler in Western Canada and the Pacific Northwest.
“Located in rural Trail, our team of 75 manufactures high-grade battery metals and plastic from 100 per cent recycled resources as part of the Western Canada battery hub,” said Stamper.
Rossland’s Advanced BioCarbon 3D will get $40,000 to examine expansion possibilities and potential new equipment to better process agricultural, forestry and plastic waste to upcycle into higher value products.
“Investments in businesses that are innovating create a more diverse and sustainable economy,” said Darrel Fry, CEO of Advanced BioCarbon 3D. “This funding is helping businesses set up for long-term success and support good jobs in our community.”
The company produces sustainable bioplastics that are carbon negative, non-toxic and biodegradable with engineered-grade quality.
The BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund helps for-profit businesses plan and launch shovel-ready, high-value industrial and manufacturing projects that bring direct benefits and stable, family-supporting jobs to communities while driving clean and inclusive growth throughout the province.
“Value-added manufacturing is critical to West Kootenay economies and the people who live and work here,” said Katrine Conroy, MLA for Kootenay West. “By supporting local businesses innovate, this helps protect their workforce. We are helping build stronger communities.”
As much as $400,000 will support a capital improvement project by Creston’s J.H. Huscroft Ltd., a value-added speciality manufacturer of glulam, trim, boarding and flooring.
The company will purchase and replace equipment that will boost productivity and capacity at its sawmill, protecting 75 jobs and expanding the types of logs that can be processed.
Applications for the fund are open and being approved on an ongoing basis.
“Today, we are funding companies that are expanding our industries and finding new ways to get value from our forests and other sectors,” said Bruce Ralston, Minister of Forests. “We are modernizing and innovating so that small communities in our province will have more stable economies and good-paying jobs.”
In January 2023, the Ministry of Forests introduced a new Value-Added Manufacturing Program to establish a dedicated fibre supply for small and medium-sized manufacturers.
A strong value-added manufacturing industry diversifies the forestry sector, buffering against global market challenges.
Supporting B.C.’s manufacturing sector helps bring government closer to its goal of building a more innovative economy for businesses and communities throughout B.C.
“Investments in businesses that are innovating create a more diverse and sustainable economy,” said Brittny Anderson, MLA for Nelson-Creston. “This funding is helping businesses set up for long-term success and support good jobs in our community.”