New Owners Set to Revive Coulson Sawmills by November 2023

BREAKING: New owners of the Coulson Manufacturing Mill in Port Alberni have announced their urgent plans to revive operations, aiming for a launch by November 2023. This comes after a court-approved sale in June, signaling a fresh start for the dormant facility.

The mill, now operating as Coulson Sawmills, will be managed by Jovan and Ajit Gill. They emphasize the importance of building strong relationships in the area, with Gary Gill, CEO of Fraserview Cedar, stating, “This is the next generation of Gills that have bought this.”

The Gills are prioritizing the establishment of a sustainable log supply to ensure continuous operation. “Log supply is our biggest challenge right now,” Gary Gill explained, referencing ongoing difficulties faced by other mills. The Dorman Group has stepped up, offering significant log support, crucial for the mill’s reopening.

Delays caused by summer holidays and fire-season shutdowns have compounded the issue, while a recent 35 percent softwood lumber duty has further strained market conditions. The Gills are committed to overcoming these obstacles, stating that the mill will retain the Coulson name, which boasts strong brand recognition both locally and globally.

“Not only locally, but around the world in our markets that we service from a lumber perspective, the Coulson name is known,” Jovan Gill noted, highlighting the mill’s international reputation for quality.

The facility will process a range of lumber products, from 2×3’s to 12×12 beams, with plans for 60 to 70 percent of its output to remain in Canada in a value-added form, while the rest will be exported to markets in the United States, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Asia.

As the Gills prepare to reopen the mill, they are engaging with the local union, whose approximately 90 members are eager to return to work. “They’re basically all sitting there cheering us on to get this thing started,” Gary remarked, expressing gratitude for community support.

The Gills view their acquisition as a long-term investment, emphasizing their commitment to revitalizing the local economy and providing stable employment. The urgency to get the mill operational reflects both economic necessity and the hope for a brighter future in the region.

Stay tuned for more updates as Coulson Sawmills gears up for its comeback, marking a significant milestone for the community and the lumber industry at large.