CANADA – Uniboard, Canada’s largest producer of particleboard and value-added products for a range of interior and exterior applications, has announced a USD 5.5 million investment in a cutting-edge robotic material handling system at its Val-d’Or facility.

This strategic move enhances the company’s standing as a leader in composite panel manufacturing across North America, driving forward innovation, productivity, and efficiency in the industry.

James Hogg, President and CEO of Uniboard, emphasized the significance of this investment, saying, “This is part of the third phase of our Val-d’Or Renaissance Project, a comprehensive modernization of our particleboard operations set to begin in summer 2025. The integration of autonomous guided vehicles for panel transportation complements our broader USD 350 million Val-d’Or modernization initiative, which is focused on maximizing operational efficiency.”

The Val-d’Or plant, strategically located to serve key North American markets via truck and rail, is renowned for producing value-added TFL (thermally fused laminate) products. Additionally, the site benefits from its onsite Unires resin plant, making it one of the most integrated production facilities in the region.

Uniboard’s innovation efforts have been further supported by Programme Innovation Bois (PIB) of the Province of Quebec, which provided funding assistance to help mitigate the risks associated with this new technology. The advanced robotic system is expected to strengthen Uniboard’s relationships with existing clients while opening up new opportunities in markets across North America.