News
President and CEO of New Forest Sector Research
Institute Appointed.
Pointe-Claire, Quebec, 20 September 2006 - Frank Dottori,
Chairman of the Board of Paprican, Don Banks, Chairman of the Board
of FERIC, and Phil Latos, Chairman of the Board of Forintek Canada Corp.
are pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Ian de la Roche to the
position of President and CEO of a newly created forestsector research
institute.
The creation of this new research institute follows the approval, in
June of this year, by the respective Boards and member companies of
Paprican, FERIC, and Forintek, of a new structure to regroup the activities
of the three organizations. The appointment of Dr. de la Roche is an
important milestone in the creation of this new entity. Over the coming
months, an integration plan will be developed and presented to the members
of each institute for final approval.
“The Canadian forest sector is one of Canada's largest exporters,
shipping $45 billion of goods to markets around the world. The importance
of this sector to the Canadian economy and the necessity for cutting-edge
research and investment is clear,” said Mr. Dottori. “The
decision of the three Boards to move forward with a view to uniting
their activities promotes a vision that will result in the creation
of one of the world’s largest forest research institutes.”
“The need for innovative and comprehensive solutions throughout
the value chain is critical and speaks favorably of the efforts of the
three institutes to merge their activities,” said Mr. Banks. “As
the primary innovation engine of the Canadian forest sector, Paprican,
FERIC and Forintek are key to the technological advancement of the industry
and will continue, within the new research Institute, to support the
industry in overcoming current and future challenges.”
“Ian’s vision and management style combined with his experience
in building industry-government partnerships will prove to be an important
asset as the structure of the research institutes continues to evolve,”
said Mr. Latos. “He is
ideally suited to working with industry members and governments to create
a strong voice for innovation in the sector.”
Dr. de la Roche brings with him over 30 years of experience in research,
research management, and strategic planning. Currently the President
and CEO of Forintek Canada Corp and FERIC, his prior positions include
Assistant Deputy Minister at Western Economic Diversification, and later,
as Assistant Deputy Minister at Agriculture Canada. In his new role,
he will be working closely with the management and member companies
of Paprican, FERIC, and Forintek to bring the new single Institute to
reality. Dr. de la Roche holds a Bachelor of Science from McGill, a
Master of Science from the University of Massachusetts and obtained
his Doctorate from the University of Illinois.
Paprican, the Pulp and Paper Research Institute of Canada,
is a leading not-for-profit research and technology institute that provides
valuable technology transfer and pre-competitive research addressing
both the short-term and strategic needs of its Members. Its research
programs are driven by the high-priority technical issues of the industry
such as product quality and value, cost competitiveness and sustainability.
Internationally recognized for excellence, Paprican operates laboratories
in Quebec and British Columbia, and is well positioned to offer services
to the global pulp and paper industry.
FERIC, the Forest Engineering Research Institute of Canada,
is a non-profit research institute that develops and helps implement
innovative and safe forest operational solutions that provide members
with long-term competitive advantage, add value to their fiber supply
and support sustainable forest practices. FERIC specializes in areas
of research related to the harvesting of wood, transportation and forest
road construction, silviculture, and wildland fire operations. The Institute’s
research program is developed with the guidance of regional advisory
committees that include representatives of all members and partners.
Forintek Canada Corp. is Canada's national wood products
research institute. Its mission is to develop scientific and technical
knowledge, application and solutions that will enhance the ongoing competitiveness
of its members and the Canadian wood products sector. Based on priorities
set by its industry and government members, it delivers technological
solutions in such areas as lumber, panels, and other value-added wood
products manufacturing processes or attributes, drying and protection,
building systems, etc. Forintek also conducts market and economic studies,
and plays a key role in the development of building codes and standards,
both nationally and internationally.
