FPInnovations

FPInnovations is a national forest sector research and development institute that is a merger of Forintek, the Forest Engineering Research Institute of Canada (FERIC), and the Pulp and Paper Research Institute (Paprican). Now known as FPInnovations, all three divisions are public-private partnerships that conduct research and technology transfer activities from locations throughout Canada. The main offices are located in Vancouver, Montreal and Quebec City.

Each division specializes in supplying sector specific industry research and technology transfer; Forintek in solid wood products; FERIC in timber harvesting, silviculture, road construction and other land-based issues; and Paprican in pulp and paper.

Consolidating into one integrated company resulted from the need to build capacity and to more effectively deliver research, product development and knowledge transfer to the industry at all the key points along the forest industry value chain from the resource, (how the resource is harvested, and sustained), through optimizing manufacturing, and right through to the marketplace.

For several years now, Forintek has been specifically delivering a technology transfer program to the secondary sector in BC, providing cost saving manufacturing services and solutions, and helping firms improve their bottom line. The program offers a wide range of expertise from specialists located in Vancouver, Prince George, Penticton, and Ladysmith. Expertise can be found in:

• Productivity improvements (incl. lean manufacturing)
• Production planning
• Plant layout and materials handling
• Lumber value/recovery optimization
• Laminated (glued wood) products and production
• Lumber drying (moisture control) issues and costs
• Wood machining and tooling
• New product development and testing
• Equipment selection and justification

For more information on FPInnovations, visit their website: http: www.fpinnovations.ca.