Mercer Celgar Announces Partnership with Skemxist Solutions

Mercer Celgar Announces Partnership with Skemxist Solutions

Pictured from left to right: Chris Longmore (Manager, Fibre Procurement, Mercer Celgar), Mike Lynn (Sr. Manager, Fibre and Mill Services, Mercer Celgar), John McKay (Managing Director, Mercer Celgar), Chief Clarence Louie – Osoyoos Indian Band, Michael Borgh – CFO, The Sutherland Group, Tyler Snitynsky – Sales, Skemxist Solutions, Dan Macmaster – Head of Forestry, Osoyoos Indian Band.

Mercer Celgar is proud to partner with Skemxist Solutions, an Osoyoos Indian Band (OIB) company, to jointly operate a log sort yard in Okanagan Falls, British Columbia. This collaboration highlights our shared commitment to sustainability, responsible forest resource utilization, and creating economic opportunities that respect cultural values and strengthen community connections.

Collaboration Rooted in Shared Values
The Osoyoos Indian Band, recognized for its economic and community development leadership, joins forces with the Sutherland Group, a forestry solutions leader specializing in efficient resource management. Together, they bring cultural heritage and operational expertise to Skemxist Solutions. Mercer Celgar actively supports this partnership as part of our sustainability efforts, contributing responsibly sourced wood fibre while respecting the OIB’s stewardship of their lands.

“This partnership exemplifies an international corporation’s commitment to working alongside the Osoyoos Indian Band to foster economic stability and sustainable forestry,” said Dan Macmaster, Forestry Manager, OIB. “Mercer shares our values and priorities in forest management, and we look forward to a strong, long-term relationship.”

Key Objectives of the Partnership

• Economic Development: Skemxist Solutions will create skilled jobs for OIB members, such as log scalers and equipment operators. Mercer Celgar plays a direct role in supporting training programs designed to meet industry standards, ensuring participants gain the expertise needed for long-term forestry careers.
• Sustainable Forestry: The log sort yard will maximize fibre utilization, including timber from fire-damaged forests, and reduce inefficiencies. Operations will align with globally recognized forestry standards, reinforcing Mercer Celgar’s dedication to sustainable resource management.
• Cultural Respect and Community Engagement: Skemxist Solutions is led by the OIB, ensuring hiring and operational decisions honour the Band’s traditions and autonomy. Transparent communication and shared milestones will celebrate this initiative’s progress while maintaining strong ties with the local community.

“This initiative represents a step forward in how we work collaboratively with local communities to achieve shared goals,” said Mike Lynn, Senior Manager, Fibre and Mill Services at Mercer Celgar. “It demonstrates our commitment to responsible forestry and the importance of meaningful partnerships in building sustainable futures.”

Operational Excellence at the Log Sort Yard
The log sort yard will operate 11 months a year, ensuring a consistent supply of fibre for Mercer Celgar’s operations while supporting regional forestry goals. Managed by Skemxist Solutions, the facility prioritizes safety, efficiency, and advanced sorting techniques to achieve full resource utilization.

Empowering the Future Through Training
A cornerstone of this initiative is training programs that prepare OIB members for meaningful careers in forestry and related industries. Mercer Celgar ensures these programs meet industry standards, equipping participants with the skills needed to succeed and fostering long-term capacity building within the community.

Measuring Success and Looking Ahead
Key metrics—including fibre utilization, safety outcomes, training success, and economic impacts—will guide the partnership’s progress. This focus ensures that success is measured not just financially, but also in terms of environmental stewardship and community well-being.

For updates, follow Skemxist Solutions on LinkedIn or visit their website.

About Mercer Celgar
Based in British Columbia, Mercer Celgar is a leader in sustainable forestry, supplying softwood pulp and forest products to global markets with a decades-long commitment to maximizing resource utilization and environmental stewardship.

About Skemxist

Skemxist Solutions: At Skemxist Solutions, we blend the enduring wisdom of the Osoyoos Indian Band (OIB) with industry expertise, creating a legacy of harmony between tradition and progress. Our commitment extends across various sectors, providing exceptional heavy industry solutions, including project consulting, road building & maintenance, drilling & blasting, civil construction, harvesting, marine services, aggregates, and transportation. Learn more about our commitment to tradition and progress at www.skemxistsolutions.ca   

About Osoyoos Indian Band (OIB)

Rooted in traditional principles of hard work and a deep connection to the land, the Osoyoos Indian Band (OIB) has evolved into a thriving business culture. Our location, the richness of our land, and our commitment to engaging with the world contribute to the success of businesses on our traditional territory. The Osoyoos Indian Band Development Corporation (OIBDC) plays a crucial role in providing jobs, funding community priorities, and investing in programs and services that enhance the well-being of our people. Discover more about the Osoyoos Indian Band and their commitment to a prosperous future rooted in the protection of their past at www.oib.ca 

About Sutherland Group of Companies

The Sutherland Group of Companies is dedicated to solving complex heavy industry problems through integrated management solutions. Since 1995, we have been an integrated network of heavy industry experts, offering a comprehensive range of services spanning equipment, logistics, personnel, and safety. Our domain experts specialize in roadbuilding & maintenance, drilling & blasting, harvesting, chipping & grinding, aggregate sales, marine services, heavy equipment repair, and transportation services. Learn more about our extensive offerings and industry expertise at www.TheSutherland.Group