vice presidents message |
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Jim A. Dangerfield,
Executive Vice-President,
FPInnovations |
Hervé Deschênes,
Vice-President,
FPInnovations – Forintek Division |
Alan Potter,
Vice-President Strategic Technologies & Initiatives, FPInnovations |
Proven technology developed by
FPInnovations that can be readily received
and will create value in operations over the
short-term is being transferred to members
thanks to a two-year $20 million funding
commitment announced by the federal
government in the February budget.
As part of the federal government’s
program to promote forest sector innovation,
the Short-term Competitiveness Initiative
is an addition to the Transformative
Technologies Program (TTP), which is aimed
at longer term opportunities. The new
agreement is earmarked for shorter term
technology transfer.
For example, FPInnovations – Forintek
Division has specific drying and heat
treatment processes that will deliver almost
immediate benefits to lumber producers.
Another project will implement technology
that will improve the control of wood fines
in OSB. However, the funds won’t be limited
to solid wood product manufacturers they
will also be used to transfer technology to
FPInnovations’ resource and harvesting, and
pulp and paper members.
There is a realization on the federal
government’s part that the longer term
transformation of the industry is really only
going to work if there is a sector from which
to build that transformation. We know that
the forest sector right across Canada is in
dire shape, but there are still opportunities
to transfer technologies that could be used
to improve the short-term competitiveness
of the industry. This funding will help to
expedite that transfer.
The agreement has been signed and
representatives from all FPInnovations’
divisions are speaking with companies that
have already shown interest. A priority has
been placed on companies where operations
are ongoing and where the technology is a
good fit.
FPInnovations appreciates the positive
response from the federal government, as this
is precisely what is needed at the present time
as a good complement to the funding already
designated for the TTP.
30/09/09
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