Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/1535861
36 | J U N E 2 0 2 5 Engineered Wood Products In other DLT news, StructureCraft is adapting to the evolving needs of the construction industry with the strategic decision to separate its DLT manufactur- ing services into a distinct brand, DowelLam. This move creates a clear distinction between the two brands, allowing for a more targeted approach in serving clients, including developers, contractors, architects, and structural engineers. While StructureCraft continues to offer structural consulting and con- struction services using materials such as steel, concrete, glass, and timber (including CLT, MPP, GL, and DLT), DowelLam will concentrate on design-assist, engineering, manufacturing, and supplying DLT products. This separation ensures that all DLT product inquiries will be managed by DowelLam, stream- lining the process and providing clients with specialized support throughout design, manufacturing, and delivery. INDUSTRY PROGRESS Kalesnikoff Mass Timber Inc. continues to make significant strides in the B.C. wood-manufacturing sector with the recent expansion of its operations, supported by a $6.7-million investment from the B.C. Manufacturing Jobs Fund (BCMJF). This funding enables the company to establish a new mass-timber and CLT modularized building facility in Castlegar, creating 90 sustainable, local forestry jobs. The expansion will allow Kalesnikoff to produce prefabricated housing components and multi-storey structures, addressing the growing demand for low-carbon housing solutions across North America. The Province's Mass Timber Action Plan has increased global demand for these products, removing barriers for companies like Kalesnikoff to expand their supply. Mercer Mass Timber (MMT) is similarly accelerating its operations with its own set of advancements, pushing the envelope in the North American mass timber industry. With state-of-the-art facilities in Okanagan Falls, B.C., Spokane, and Conway, MMT is setting new benchmarks in mass timber production. In addition to its acquisition of Structurlam in 2023, MMT received a $7-mil- lion grant in 2024 from the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund to install advanced manufacturing equipment that will boost efficiency and increase glulam pro- duction capacity by 25 percent. Sustainability is integral to MMT's operations, with wood sourced from certified forests in Canada and the U.S., including species like Spruce-Pine-Fir (SPF), Douglas Fir-Larch, Southern Yellow Pine, and Alaska Yellow Cedar. This approach ensures product durability, while minimiz- ing the carbon footprint of its operations. PAINT & PROTECT Moisture management remains a key challenge in protecting engineered wood, particularly during transit and construction. Without proper protection, exposure to moisture can lead to staining, cracking, and dimensional instabil- ity. This is why many manufacturers now apply Sansin's KP-12 at the factory – a penetrating coating that resists moisture absorption, while allowing the wood to breathe, reducing the risk of checking and water damage. Mauraine Bos, marketing manager at Sansin, explains that for added protection, KP-14 provides exceptional moisture resistance while remaining breathable, preventing issues like trapped water, mould, and decay. "Our coatings enhance the dimensional stability of wood while protecting it from moisture, contamination, and physical wear," says Bos. Aesthetically, Sansin's coatings harness nanotechnology to enhance grain definition while offering decorative protection. Sustainability is also a priority. "We manufacture low-VOC products, making sustainable wood coatings a pos- sibility for the industry. Our interior stain has no VOCs, setting the benchmark for interior wood coatings," says Bos. The experts at Henkel note that the shift toward embracing greener solutions is especially evident in North America and Europe, where CLT and glulam are gaining popularity. As a global leader in adhesives, Henkel supports this transformation with innovative, solvent-free, formaldehyde-free solutions that maintain long-term strength and functionality. "Architects can bring their visions to life – whether designing towering mass timber structures or intricate wood elements. Trusted by manufacturers, Henkel's Loctite polyurethane (PUR) and hybrid (EPI) adhesives are ideal for cold-setting and RF applications," says Ingrid Gagné, head of sales. "With technologies like Loctite HB X, Henkel meets strict fire resistance standards, reduces CO₂ emissions, and ensures compliance with green building requirements," adds Gagné. "Backed by a North American technical team and advanced wood lab, Henkel delivers the expertise and innovation needed to shape the future of sustainable construction." EVENT SPOTLIGHT At FPInnovations in Vancouver, experts acknowledge that many countries are grappling with significant housing challenges, while others face a shrinking and aging population. "The need to build better, with sustainable and resilient structures, is the solution," says Tim Caldecott, senior director, sustainable construction. Events like Woodrise 2025 offer an important platform for professionals to explore real-world projects, techniques, and innovations in construction, particularly those involving mass timber and other wood-based building systems. In partnership with the Province of B.C., FPInnovations will host the international Woodrise event on mid- and high-rise wood construction in Vancouver from September 22 to 25, 2025. This gathering will bring together 2,000 attendees from 25 countries to discuss emerging public policies, technical advancements, and market-driven, low-carbon solutions. It will provide an opportunity to connect with government officials, business leaders, construc- tion experts, and researchers, all focused on advancing wood construction to address climate change, enhance urban resilience, and create livable, affordable housing for future generations. A P H OTO G R A P H Y BY TO M A R BA N /CO U RT E S Y T H E SA N S I N CO R P O R AT I O N P H OTO G R A P H Y BY ED W H I T E /CO U RT E S Y N AT U R A L LY WO O D.CO M Toronto Montessori School, Toronto ON The Exchange, Kelowna, B.C.