Focus on North America: Uniboard | 27
UNIBOARD LEADS THE WAY
Canadian wood-based panels manufacturer Uniboard is nearing the end of a landmark investment project at its Val-d’Or particleboard facility. Stephen Powney reports
I
n Quebec, leading North American wood- based panels manufacturer Uniboard is nearing the end of a landmark modernisation project.
The US$350m investment at the Val-d’Or particleboard facility is projected to start full production in Q4, 2025 and increase mill capacity to more than 450,000m3 The project’s final phase 3 is nearly
annually.
complete, with final integration of the new press and finishing line into Phase 1 and 2 of the project. Uniboard has also begun advanced employee training on the brand- new press and finishing line, key milestones in one of the most advanced particleboard mill transformations in North America.
PROJECT INVESTMENT AND SCOPE Advanced production equipment centres on a Dieffenbacher CPS+ continuous press and EVOjet P glue-saving systems. The technology is aimed at increasing efficiency and product quality significantly. “Dieffenbacher’s Smart Plant Concept
integrates digitalization, advanced engineering, and sustainability in particleboard production,” explained Don Raymond, Uniboard’s VP marketing. Mr Raymond told WBPI the project
Strategically positioned Uniboard in the market, strengthening “market leadership, operational efficiency, and long-term competitiveness in North America”. The project is the latest to deploy Dieffenbacher’s EVORIS smart plant concept - introduced by the German machine maker in 2021. EVORIS is designed to combine digitalization and advanced plant engineering with operational excellence and sustainability solutions. The Uniboard contract includes a 10ft x 35m long CPS+ continuous press, two EVOjet P glue-saving systems, the new Forming Station PB and new Wireless STS storage system.
Capacity at the modernized plant will increase by almost 50% versus the previous multi-opening particleboard line whose main components were supplied by Dieffenbacher in 1988. Capacity increases from 300,000m3 to 450,000m3
.
Uniboard will also use the MyDIEFFENBACHER digital service platform
and Dieffenbacher’s smart digitalization solution EVORIS to better understand and control their new plant. The included Intelligent Air Management System will create cleaner air and improve the work environment.
Dieffenbacher also delivered technology for dust and material preparation, glue preparation and dosing, the press exhaust system and raw board handling system. The new 10 foot finishing and packaging line is supplied by Anthon including elements from Argos and IMAL for quality control. A Steinemann 10 foot wide 10 head sander with the new Board Cockpit rounds out the state of the art new installation. Scheuch is supplying a major upgrade to the emissions control system. Uniboard says the new Dieffenbacher
technology and expertise will broaden its product offering and availability, significantly improving board quality and expanding its range of board formats and thicknesses, allowing it to enter the market for thin panels, a biocomposite in high demand in North America. Mr Raymond said the addition of
innovative material handling - autonomous guided vehicles (AGVs) and Wireless STS storage enhances productivity and safety in material handling. A $5.5m investment in an innovative robotic material handling system is designed to put Uniboard in an advanced position in terms of its productivity and processes. Programme Innovation Bois (PIB) of
the Province of Quebec provided funding support to Uniboard to reduce the new technology risk in the applied innovation. “The integration of cutting-edge
technologies and sustainable practices highlights commitment to innovation and environmental care,” added Mr Raymond. “The Val-d’Or facility aims for a carbon
negative footprint through carbon sequestration in durable wood products and low emissions production.” The plant also utilizes 100% post-industrial
wood residuals, mainly black spruce softwood, ensuring efficient resource use and quality machining, while FSC chain-of- custody certification guarantees responsible sourcing and environmental compliance at
the Val-d’Or facility. Another feature at Val d’Or is onsite Unires resin plant integration, reducing transportation emissions and improving production efficiency and sustainability. Meanwhile, a new distribution centre, upgrade to rail spurs, and the strategic location enhance logistics and customer service efficiency, with Val-d’Or near key markets enabling efficient distribution by truck and rail in North America. The construction of the new distribution/logistics centre was in the initial phase of the project, completed in August 2023. The construction of a new production hall and the installation of new press and a new 10-foot finishing line followed in the second phase.
James Hogg, president and CEO of Uniboard, summarised the ambition of the investment earlier on in the project. “What will set Val d’Or apart from other North American particleboard facilities is not just the latest state-of-the-art equipment, but the expertise and knowledge of our people who will operate the facility, our proven quality northern fibre supply, and our commitment to customer service to name a few,” he said. ●
Above: Uniboard’s newly modernised Val d’Or particleboard facility
www.wbpionline.com | October/November 2025 | WBPI
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