The following is a news release that SooToday.com received this evening from Paul Bichler, concerning a proposed wood pellet manufacturing company for Sault Ste. Marie.
Bichler (shown) was the Liberal candidate for Sault Ste. Marie during the last federal election, and previously ran an environmental laundromat in Peterborough, Ontario.
************************* SAULT STE. MARIE, ON - (January 20) - Fibre Brain Company of Sault Ste. Marie is proud to announce the hiring of Paul Bichler, as general manager of the company.
Fibre Brain is a locally owned start-up company that will own and operate a factory facility, based in Sault Ste. Marie, that will manufacture wood pellets, for sale throughout North America.
The company expects to have 30 full time employees at start-up.
Wood pellets are an environmentally friendly product.
One ton of wood pellets has the equivalent heat of 450 litres of oil.
A 40-pound-bag of wood pellets produces only three ounces of ash.
Raw material will be sourced from local forests by foresters who adhere to the highest silvi-cultural principles.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has endorsed wood pellet heat as one of the cleanest burning, most renewable energy sources on Earth.
There are currently 28 pellet factories in Canada, and this would be the first in Ontario.
Fibre Brain is in the process of making an application to the Province of Ontario for a wood plant operating license.
Many nations, including Canada have initiated grant programs for home owners and businesses that switch to wood pellet heating systems.
Local investors commented: "We have hired Paul due to his proven track record in business and his belief that environmentally friendly products are where are future economy is going. We are pleased to have him on board, as general manager of our company."
Fibre Brain expects to be operating by fall of 2009 and hopes to produce 32,000 tons of wood pellets per year.
There is currently a shortage on the market and demand continues to experience high growth.
"I am proud to join the Fibre Brain Company," Bichler said. "Eco-friendly companies and entrepreneurs that are embracing this shift to 'a green economy' are showing leadership and foresight. Canada's future prosperity will be dependent on embracing this shift to 'green businesses'.
"It is very positive to see new business ventures during the current slowdown in our economy. Sault Ste. Marie is an ideal location for this venture, due to the fact that there is a skilled labour force, ample raw materials and excellent access to both Canadian and U.S. markets," said Bichler.
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