Ontario-based Element5 has officially opened its $107 million expansion in St. Thomas, marking a major milestone for the province’s sustainable building industry. The move more than doubles production space and positions the company as a leading supplier of mass timber in North America .
Overview of the Expansion
The St. Thomas plant expansion increases Element5’s facility from 130,000 sq. ft. to 350,000 sq. ft., more than doubling its footprint.
2. Plant Capacity and Growth
Annual production capacity has grown from 50,000 cubic metres to 100,000 cubic metres of cross-laminated timber (CLT) and glued-laminated timber (Glulam).
3. Role of the HASSLACHER Group
Element5’s expansion is backed by parent company HASSLACHER group, reinforcing long-term investment in the Canadian timber sector.
4. Ontario Government Support
The Government of Ontario contributed $8 million through the Invest Ontario Fund to help advance the project and strengthen the domestic timber supply chain.
5. Impact on Sustainable Building
President Chris Latour emphasized the company’s mission to provide innovative and climate-friendly building solutions, highlighting the importance of mass timber in affordable housing and infrastructure projects.
6. Boosting Supply for Modular Housing
The expanded facility introduces new CLT and Glulam production lines, directly supporting Canada’s need for sustainable and modular housing solutions.
7. About Element5’s Journey
Founded in 2015, Element5 has focused on designing, fabricating, and assembling timber structures for residential, industrial, commercial, and municipal projects.
8. Workforce Growth and Job Creation
- In 2020: 15 employees at launch
- Today: 175 skilled professionals
- Future: +150 new jobs, growing to 325 employees with the expansion
9. Significance for Ontario’s Economy
This project strengthens Ontario’s leadership in sustainable construction while driving local job creation and economic development.
10. North American Market Potential
Element5’s larger facility means the company is better equipped to serve not only Ontario but also North American markets, where demand for timber solutions continues to rise.
11. Innovation in Timber Technology
By investing in CLT and Glulam innovation, Element5 is helping reshape the construction sector with durable, eco-friendly materials that lower carbon emissions.
12. Conclusion
Element5’s $107M expansion represents a defining step for Ontario’s timber sector, offering sustainable solutions, job growth, and long-term industry resilience.