Plant to produce modular homes for First Nations

Wincrief Forestry Products Limited has bought, renovated and equipped an existing manufacturing plant to produce modular homes for First Nations and nearby communities.
The Kenora company - a partnership between Wabaseemoong Independent Nation and Moncrief Construction Limited - received funding from the province to make the move, which will also include manufacturing untreated wood poles for utility companies and log home manufacturers.
The province is investing more than $700,000 in this initiative through the NOHFC and the Forest Sector Prosperity Fund. In addition the company has received a $500,000 NOHFC loan.
That's good news for area First Nations as half of the plant's 20 current full-time employees are members of the Wabaseemoong Independent Nation communities of One Man Lake, Swan Lake and Whitedog.
"I thank Minister Michael Gravelle for his support of Wincrief Forestry Products," Chief Eric Fisher of Wabaseemoong Independent Nation said. "I am honoured the provincial government can assist in the growth of a business that is majority owned by Wabaseemoong First Nation. I am also encouraged by the jobs that will be made available, and the hope that will come from the growth of the partnership between Wabaseemoong and Moncrief brothers."
When fully operational the company expects to have about 40 full-time employees and be building 40 homes annually.