CANADA –    A new era in Canadian forestry is taking shape as the province of Ontario partners with Japanese firm Daiken to bring a cutting-edge, sustainable wood panel product to market.

Backed by USD 10 million in provincial funding, Daiken North America will upgrade its Huntsville facility to produce DIO woodcore, an innovative laminated board developed in Ontario.

Part of Daiken’s USD 70 million project, the investment will create 10 new jobs, support 128 existing positions, and introduce a high-performance, cost-efficient alternative to imported materials. The DIO panel, designed for flooring, modular housing, and recreational vehicles, will serve both domestic and global markets.

“This project strengthens Ontario’s manufacturing and forest sectors, creating new markets for underused wood and supporting regional businesses,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development.

The initiative forms part of Ontario’s Forest Sector Investment and Innovation Program, which is channeling over USD 72 million to boost innovation, competitiveness, and sustainability across the province’s forestry industry.

Daiken Corporation, based in Japan, employs nearly 4,000 people worldwide and reported USD 2.3 billion in 2022 sales. Its new DIO product —standing for Durable, Innovative, Original— combines the strength of oriented strand board with the smoothness of particle board, redefining sustainable panel production in North America.