Kalesnikoff Mass Timber: Pioneering Modular Mass Timber Solutions in British Columbia
Kalesnikoff Mass Timber made an impressive debut in the world of sustainable building on June 5, 2023, by opening its state-of-the-art 100,000-sq.-ft. modular mass timber facility in Castlegar, British Columbia. This milestone marks not only a significant expansion for the company but also a noteworthy advancement in the construction industry, heralding a new era of prefabricated building components.
A Strategic Location
Nestled conveniently near the West Kootenay Regional Airport, Kalesnikoff’s new facility enhances its operational capabilities significantly. With this third facility, the company successfully integrates its existing mass timber and lumber products into the essential building components for various structures, including multi-family housing, schools, daycares, and commercial buildings. This strategic decision aligns with a growing trend toward modular construction, catering to increasing market demands.
Celebrating a Legacy
Chris Kalesnikoff, the Chief Operating Officer and fourth-generation leader of the family-owned business, reflected on the grand opening’s significance. After the opening of their first mass timber plant in 2020 was overshadowed by the COVID-19 pandemic, this event provided a long-awaited opportunity to celebrate progress with staff and stakeholders. “This is the first time we’ve held a grand opening event in probably 40 years,” Chris noted, underscoring the company’s historical journey.
Efficiency through Innovation
The specialization of Kalesnikoff Mass Timber’s new plant lies in pre-manufacturing and componentization rather than pressing additional mass timber products. Existing mass timber products will be transformed into prefabricated, modular components—a strategy designed to optimize resources and meet growing customer demands for speed and efficiency in construction. “We saw an opportunity to provide additional products to help with the speed of construction,” Chris shared, emphasizing their commitment to innovative practices.
Harnessing Local Fiber
A key aspect of Kalesnikoff’s strategy is utilizing local forestry resources efficiently. The integration of products from their sawmill facility complements the mass timber offerings, facilitating the creation of wall systems that can be shipped directly to job sites, ensuring a streamlined construction process. From open panel designs to advanced passive house wall assemblies, the company aims to provide comprehensive solutions that enhance the building industry.
An Adaptive Business Model
Increasing diversification in product offerings allows Kalesnikoff to navigate market fluctuations effectively. While continuing to operate a sawmill that produces both high-grade and lower-grade lumber, the introduction of additional facilities enables the company to funnel most of its lumber into innovative product lines like cross-laminated timber (CLT) and glulam constructs. This adaptability not only strengthens Kalesnikoff’s business model but also underscores its commitment to sustainable forestry.
Volumetric Solutions and 3D Modeling
The facility also aims to address the growing demand for volumetric prefabricated modular structures. Although it may not be a one-size-fits-all solution, such products are advantageous for quality assurance, cost control, and waste reduction, all within a factory-controlled environment. Chris Kalesnikoff remarked, “We see a bright future ahead for volumetric modules as a ‘ready to deploy’ solution for a diverse range of building types.”
To facilitate this innovative approach, Kalesnikoff has invested in 3D modeling techniques through Building Information Modeling (BIM). This investment has enabled the company to hone its design capabilities, ensuring that factory-built components meet high standards before reaching the construction site.
Rapid Development and Community Support
The construction of the new facility was notably swift, transitioning from a greenfield site to operational status in just 12 months. Chris credited the City of Castlegar for its unwavering support, which played a critical role in expediting the permitting process—a challenge that many businesses face today.
Geographical Market Outlook
Kalesnikoff Mass Timber enjoys a balanced geographic distribution in its market reach, with approximately 60% of its customers based in Canada and 40% in the U.S. This distribution is crucial, particularly given the current economic conditions. Chris is optimistic about the prospects for their volumetric CLT modules and panelized products in B.C. and Western Canada, confident in their established customer loyalty across borders.
Major Investment and Job Creation
The establishment of the new facility represents a $30 million investment, supported by significant funding from the Province of British Columbia’s Manufacturing Jobs Fund and Natural Resources Canada’s Investments in Forest Industry Transformation (IFIT) program. The expansion is expected to create approximately 100 new jobs, enhancing Kalesnikoff’s current workforce of 375 employees.
A Future Filled with Promise
Kalesnikoff Mass Timber is committed to expanding its footprint in the mass timber industry, building on the momentum generated over the past six years. With an array of new product offerings and a focus on sustainability, Chris Kalesnikoff sees both challenges and exciting opportunities ahead. “It’s always a pretty good challenge to work through constant growth, but it’s exciting,” he said.
In short, the grand opening of Kalesnikoff Mass Timber’s modular facility in Castlegar heralds a transformative step not only for the company but for the future of sustainable construction in Canada and beyond. With innovation at its core, Kalesnikoff is poised to shape the future of mass timber solutions, contributing to the global commitment to environmentally responsible building practices.
