Granules LG relies on local customers for consumption of most of its pellet production, but the company has joined other Quebec producers in finding international customers. also produce 6,000 tons of densified hardwood fire logs, made mainly out of regional birch residues. This small market is distributed only in Quebec. The mill also has the ability to produce hardwood pellets when needed. LOOKING FOR GROWTH Boosted by the Laurent Lamontagne vision, Granules LG began producing wood pellets in 1995, where wood pellets were al-most unknown. “Laurent Lamontagne was a visionary. He fore-saw the growing market opportunities of this green energy,” St-Gelais notes. In 2009, Groupe ADL, a Mashteuiatsh First Nation company, became a major partner, taking 50 per cent of the company’s shares. In 2012, Groupe ADL became the sole owner of Quebec’s biggest pellet-producing facility. For Groupe ADL president Alain Paul, Granules LG is creat-ing jobs in the forest sector while producing a green and envi-ronmentally friendly energy. “A great fit for our business,” he says. “Our mission is to cre-ate wealth in our community and in our region. After 20 years, Granules LG is still a growing business in our local environment, but we are now looking for American partners or in the Côte-Nord region to develop new opportunities. In the future, Gran-ules LG will most likely spread out, while keeping its roots in the region.” According to Groupe ADL vice-president Melanie Paul, wood pellet production is definitely a growing niche market for the Innu community and for the region. Important projects should be announced this summer. While Granules LG might expand in other regions, they are exploring new venues like the European industrial pellet market. “We are extremely proud to transform residues into an eco-nomic lever for the region and the whole Quebec industry,” St-Gelais says. • For more pellet plant profiles, visit www.canadianbiomassmagazine.ca Canadian BIOMASS 13
Canadian Biomass June 2016: Page 13
