Services
Our Expertise
The FPInnovations network of industrial advisors, scientists, economists and technologists, has expertise throughout the entire forestry value chain from resource development, resource extraction and manufacturing, right on through to product branding and market development. Historically we have worked with Indigenous communities in the following areas:
Silviculture
Harvesting and Transportation
- Lumber production
- Drying
- Engineered wood products and panels
Secondary manufacturing
- Value added specialty products
- Custom mill work
- Furniture and kitchen cabinets
Manufacturing Processes
- Lean Manufacturing
- Design Integration
- Quality Assurance
- Processing Solutions
- Stick Frame, Log & Timber Frame Construction
Bio-energy
- Community heating
Non Timber Forest Products
CNC Indigenous art opportunities
Market / Business Development
What we can Provide
We provide customized products and services that meet the unique needs of each Indigenous community. The following services are an example of what can be provided and do not represent the full extent of what FPInnovations can offer. Contact the program lead in your area if you have any questions regarding the scope of what can be done through this program.
On-site Information Sessions
Building Wealth with Wood information sessions are presented in an Indigenous context that respects social, economic and cultural values and realities. The primary goal of these sessions is to communicate the potential opportunities that exist within the industry. This session also outlines the Indigenous Forest Support Program, helps to establish relationships and provides the framework for FPInnovations to provide services to the Indigenous communities.
Market Intelligence and Product Knowledge
Gathering market intelligence and product knowledge is critical as communities look to develop forestry and manufacturing based business. It is important to understand the gaps for products and services in localized areas. With this knowledge, we can identify opportunities that are right for the community and align well with traditional values and the available expertise.
Feasibility Studies
Studies can identify the issues that will impact the ability of Indigenous communities to establish and maintain viable forest product businesses. These studies can include, but are not limited to, an analysis of current and potential markets, evaluation of capital and operational costs, evaluation of the fibre supply, a review of alternatives, impacts to local employment, etc. These studies can provide guidance to communities as they look to make an informed investment decision.
Technical Assessments
Technical assessments of new technologies provide relevant and timely information to community leaders so they can make informed decisions before adopting new technologies (e.g. Investing in a bio-energy facility) or making capital investments (e.g. manufacturing facility). These assessments include recommendations that a community can use on its journey towards continuous improvement.
Operational Evaluations
On-site evaluations of the business structure, harvest planning activities and timber harvesting practices for community-based logging operations can identify capacity gaps and inefficient processes. The realizations and recommendations from these evaluations have immediate positive impacts. They contribute to more efficient machine interactions, increased productivity, increased utilization, compliance with environmental legislation and operating ground rules and the ability to generate increased wealth and prosperity for the community.
Technical Advisory Service
FPInnovations experts provide technical assistance to forest harvesting operations, operators of wood products manufacturing facilities, as well as to log, timber frame and conventional building construction businesses to improve processes and maximize profits.
Product and Standards Development Support
FPInnovations can provide technical expertise for the development of new wood products, building codes, industry standards and thermal performance guidelines for the construction of log, timber frame and conventional buildings.
Technical Literature and Bulletins
FPInnovations can produce technical literature and bulletins for Indigenous communities that enhance the technological development of the Indigenous forestry value-added chain.
Best Management Practices
FPInnovations develops and disseminates best management practices relating to forest product (timber and non-timber) harvesting, transportation, small-scale wood products manufacturing, and various phases of log, timber frame and conventional building construction.
