PWP creates jobs

Photo: Contributed - Elizabeth Marion

Princeton Wood Preservers Ltd, a manufacturer of pressure-treated wood products, has expanded its business and created new jobs in Princeton.

PWP has been in business for more than 40 years at their site 18 kilometres outside of Princeton. 

"This is the most significant expansion of PWP’s business in its 41-year history. With the production power of two plants and a guaranteed wood supply, we will be able to expand to meet the demands of our Canadian and American customers," explains President and owner Elizabeth Marion. 

“With the equipment in place, and wood supply secured, we plan on creating more full time permanent jobs,” she adds. 

Since the takeover PWP has hired 8 new employees for a total of 37 between the two mills, and is looking for at least 8 more. 

The products they manufacture can be seen in many orchards, vineyards and fencing projects throughout the Okanagan. They also have customers as far south as California and as far east as Ontario and New York.

"On June 17, 2014 an agreement was signed with Ledcor Resources & Transportation for the acquisition of the Princeton Post and Rail (PPR) plant site," said Marion. "The agreement also includes wood supply for both mills for the next eight years. Both mills will now be operating under the name Princeton Wood Preservers Ltd."

The acquisition of the PPR facility, which is located in Princeton's industrial park, is a "nice fit" with PWP's current production and treating plant 18 km east of Princeton.

The PPR facility is a processing plant that does not have a treatment facility of its own.

This expansion will make PWP one of the largest employers in Princeton and improves on their capacity to supply products in the Pacific Northwest.

PWP will be investing in upgrading fixed and mobile equipment at both sites to help boost production and adhere to a high standard of safety.

Marion bought the business in 2005 and has been dreaming of expanding ever since. With the recession in 2008, those dreams "seemed distant" and the company went through some very difficult times.

With the help and dedication of several long term employees, they pulled through and are now looking to the future. “Almost all of the crew are new,” she said. “With their youth and enthusiasm, we are all very excited about what we can do and what the possibilities are.”

We are excited to be moving forward as a team, and facing the challenges and successes of learning to operate as one company. “My vision for the company is to become the #1 post supplier in the Pacific Northwest,” said Marion. “In the end, it’s all about doing what we do best: producing pressure-treated round wood products of the highest quality in North America.”

“Come join our team and be a part of Princeton’s future.”

Photo: Posts in a new vineyard. Contributed