BATHURST (CNB) – Junction Lumber Products Inc., a Bathurst manufacturer of cedar log homes and lumber products, will add up to five new jobs as a result of an increase in its Crown wood allocation, Natural Resources Minister Bruce Northrup said today.

"Fostering economic growth is an important part of our government's strategy to deal with the province's fiscal crisis,'' said Northrup. "This additional allocation for Junction Lumber Products Inc. will allow the company to continue to grow and provide more jobs for northern New Brunswick.''

The company had a Crown allocation of 1,000 cubic metres of saw stock cedar logs. This has been increased by 6,787 cubic metres.

Company president Dale Boucher said the additional allocation of cedar will allow the company to increase production and diversify its business by adding new, value-added product lines.

"This project will also add approximately three to five permanent positions and extend several seasonal positions,'' Boucher said.

The family-owned company is modernizing its existing manufacturing facility, where houses are assembled, parts are numbered and then bundled for shipping to the buyer.

Northrup said the company will continue to purchase cedar logs from private woodlot owners.

21-01-11