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Great Move For Brink
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Editorials - The Prince George Citizen - October 6, 2005
--Editor Dave Paulson
Prince George’s John Brink positioned himself this week as Canada’s top dog in the lumber re-manufacturing industry.
His company, Brink Forest Products, became the largest re-manufacturer in the country with its purchase of Calgary-based Palliser Lumber Sales, combining the two pronvinces’ largest firms in the sector.
It was the perfect match. Brink Forest Products sells 70 per cent of its products to U.S. markets (and was therefore hit by punishing softwood tariffs) and the other 30 per cent in Canada. Palliser is the opposite; 70 per cent to Canadian customers, 30 per cent to American. Brink’s specialty is finger-jointed lumber; Palliser’s is fence boards, pallet stock and lumber.
Lumber re-manufacturers buy low-grade materials such as trim ends from primary mills to create high-quality products.
No job losses will result from the acquisition because the two firms were so diverse. Brink employs 300 people at its mills in Prince George and Houston; Palliser employs 200 in Alberta. Together the new company produces 500 million board feed a year. Brink plans to open another mill in the BCR Industrial Site next year.
The moves are the latest in an impressive growth pattern over the past 30 years.
Brink pioneered finger-jointed lumber in Canada at his mill on River Road.
Today Brink is one of the city’s leading corporate citizens, lending financial support to numerous local causes including the arts, minor sports and social agencies, and last year contributed $500,000 to the creation of the College of New Caledonia’s new trades training facility which bears his name.
Brink’s acquisition of Palliser, and his commitment to maintain his head office in Prince George, solidifies this city’s position as Canada’s forestry capital.
And based on his track record of growth, innovation and community-mindedness, what’s good for Brink is good for Prince George.
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