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.

Contact:

Nathalie Guilbault Corporate Communications Director 514 630-4124 nathalie.guilbault@fpinnovations.ca

 

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