Levis, Quebec, Canada 02 September 2014 -- /CNW Telbec/ -- Maibec has invested more than $20 million in the upgrade of its lumber mill in St-Pamphile de l'Islet. The upgrade included the acquisition of high-tech, high-performance equipment that maibec says will enable it to optimize the use of resources while increasing agility in manufacturing value-added products for customers and improving overall productivity in a sustainable manner. The new equipment will be operational in early 2015.

"This upgrade will equip us with the technology we need to make the most of our extensive know-how, which in turn will benefit our customers," said François Tardif, President of maibec. In addition to consolidating jobs in the region, the upgrade also spells more good news for maibec's popular genuine wood siding. Thanks to the vertical integration of maibec's operations, its siding plant will now benefit from improved raw materials produced at the new lumber mill.

Given the current U.S. economic recovery, the investment could not have come at a better time. Tardif also says maibec's diversified activities played a key role in enabling it to successfully weather the economic crisis.

Over the years, maibec's unique expertise has made it the brand of reference in its respective markets. It is especially well-known for its frequent product innovation and astute marketing methods across all its business segments, but most particularly in the genuine wood siding and shingle segments.

About maibec inc.

maibec inc. is a Quebec-based family business in the wood processing sector since 1946 and has a workforce of 700 employees. It is the largest manufacturer of White Cedar shingles in North America, the leading Canadian manufacturer of genuine wood siding, and Canada's largest bagger of cedar mulch. Its head office is located in Lévis, and its production units are located primarily in St-Pamphile de l'Islet and Saint-Théophile de Beauce.