Under its new ownership, the Atikokan pellet plant is again fully operational and employs 25 experienced local employees. grade pellets this year, and is looking to increase its customer base in order to produce even more. The plant’s current capability and configuration allows it to produce 110,000 tonnes per year. Fibre for the mill continues to be supplied by Resolute Forest Products, which operates three sawmills and a pulp mill in northwestern Ontario. “Our premium quality pellets are produced from sustainably sourced raw materials from the world’s best managed and certified boreal forests,” Guillemette says. BioPower’s pellets are sampled and tested by Biomass Energy Lab on a weekly, quarterly and annual basis. UPGRADES employment to help create prosperous communities. His father, Albert Guillemette, was the founder of TNT, which today produces over 400,000 metric tonnes annually and employs nearly 100 people. “We are trusted and recognized for our experienced workforce, environmental stewardship, efficient processes and customer-focused approach. By bringing our 20 plus years’ experience from TNT and working together, we believe we have a unique potential to bring new new opportunities regionally and globally,” Guillemette says. “Our vision is: ‘We innovate to power a sustainable energy future,’” he says. • While the mill itself is in excellent condition, BioPower is moving forward with some minor upgrades and capital improvements. One such upgrade is the installation of an automated bagging machine, which will allow the company to serve new customers and markets with residential wood pellets. New business developments are underway to ship both residential and commercial pellets to customers worldwide, Guillemette says. “Our management team is keen to make new connections and build our network of customers, suppliers and partners globally. We are also focused on expanding into the residential heating wood pellet market,” he says. As a northern Ontarian himself, Guillemette says he is passionate about sustaining northern industries and Canadian BIOMASS CBM_DetroitStoker_Mayjune18_CSA.indd 1 19 2018-05-25 2:36 PM
Canadian Biomass MayJune 2018: Page 19
