An expansion created an unanticipated abundance of heat, a resource that could be re-used in mill operations. novation and technology,” says Fitzpatrick. “It also raised our profile in the community as a good corporate citizen. It helped the community see that this company is spending money on be-coming more energy efficient.” The investments also sent a clear signal to employees that the company plans to continue its operation in Vanderhoof long into the future. After the impact of the recession a few years ago, that’s welcome news for workers in the forest industry. “For our employees, I heard a number of times that they were excited that the shareholders were prepared to invest in the op-eration. That gave the employees the understanding that we’re here for the long haul.” A BRIGHT FUTURE Even though Nechako has invested so heavily since 2000, the company continues to identify ways to improve its operation. According to Fitzpatrick, one of the original company direc-tives still has not been completely met. “We have focused on full fibre utilization at our plant site. Our next opportunities will come from the utilization of our harvesting fibre as well.” That could lead to an expansion of Nechako’s current oper-ation in the foreseeable future, as well as the potential for new business opportunities. Fitzpatrick also insists that more work can be done to address the issue of heat on the plant site in an effort to maximize all resources available for energy generation. “We still have heat that we can use; the ORC does not consume all of the heat. We have a number of different options. We are evaluating all of the different options that we have right now.” • 16 Canadian BIOMASS NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014
Canadian Biomass November - December 2014: Page 16
