Georgia-Pacific has officially announced a significant capital investment in its Englehart OSB (Oriented Strand Board) mill, located in Ontario, marking a major step in the facility’s ongoing growth and modernization. The company plans to invest approximately $140 million USD, equivalent to around $191 million CAD, to upgrade the mill’s infrastructure. This investment will be directed toward developing a state-of-the-art log processing system and constructing an expanded finished goods warehouse to improve overall operational efficiency. This development aligns with Georgia-Pacific’s broader commitment to enhancing productivity and meeting the evolving needs of its customers.

The announcement comes at a momentous occasion as the Englehart OSB mill celebrates its fifteenth year as a member of the Georgia-Pacific network, even though the site itself dates back to 1983, when its first board was produced. Celebrating both its heritage and future, the mill now stands on the brink of significant transformation.

David Neal, senior vice president of Georgia-Pacific’s Building Products business, highlighted the company’s forward-thinking strategy during the formal groundbreaking ceremony. He highlighted that the investment not only underscores Georgia-Pacific’s dedication to serving its customers more effectively but also enhances the mill’s operational capabilities to support greater productivity well into the future. Neal acknowledged the local workforce, noting that ongoing operations at the facility will continue uninterrupted during the construction and implementation phases, allowing the company to maintain its service to current markets.

John Beers, president of Structural Panels at Georgia-Pacific, further reinforced this message by noting that improvements to the mill’s log processing system and warehouse symbolize the company’s commitment to continuous improvement and reinvestment in both the facility and the surrounding communities. According to Beers, these upgrades reflect the company’s focus on maintaining competitiveness while ensuring the mill operates as an environmentally responsible facility equipped to meet modern industry standards.

The upgrades are significant, as the log processing system plays a critical role in OSB production. This system is responsible for handling raw wood materials, sorting and debarking logs, and preparing them by cutting them into strands before they are dried and pressed into boards. As engineering and design work continues, Georgia-Pacific expects the upgrade to be completed by the second quarter of 2027, making the Englehart mill a modern facility ready to meet the company’s expansion plans.