15 First Nations
Through its Indigenous ownership and employment, the Northwind operation is affiliated with fifteen (15) First Nations. Northwind employs approximately 40 individuals most of whom are Indigenous.
The Meadow Lake Tribal Council (MLTC), via its corporate business development entity MLTC Industrial Investments LP (MLTCII), purchased the assets of NorthWind Forest Products (formerly L&M Wood Products) in October of 2018. MLTC purchased the treatment plant assets in 2023.
Based in Glaslyn, Saskatchewan, NorthWind Forest Products is a manufacturing facility that has been producing speciality wood products for over 60 years. With the purchase of the NorthWind Forest Products (NorthWind) operations, MLTC further entrenches its reputation as Canada’s premiere 100% Indigenous-owned forest products manufacturing enterprise.
The purchase of NorthWind provides continued economic growth for MLTC in Canada’s forest sector. The ownership of NorthWind by MLTC further distinguishes northwest Saskatchewan as Canada’s foremost jurisdiction of Indigenous ownership and manufacturing in the Canadian forestry sector.
The ongoing 30-year story of MLTC ownership in the forest industry, including the acquisition of NorthWind, is important in that it provides new domestic and international wood market growth opportunities, continued regional employment for Indigenous communities and economic stability.
MLTC is proud to promote NorthWind Forest Products as the flagship, 100% Indigenous-owned manufacturer of treated specialty wood products (timbers, posts and rails) in Canada.
Our Story
1960
Founded
Alfred Lobe, Maurice Lobe, and Howard McConnell founded Lobe & McConnell Wood Products as a fence post operation north of Prince Albert, Saskatchewan.
1962
Relocation
The founders bought out a wood treatment plant at Glaslyn and relocated operations there.
1962
1962 - 1969
Starting Small
During this period, the company manufactured primarily fence posts and electrical poles.
1969 - 1985
Expansion
The company expanded incrementally into sawmill operations and acquired a license for 40,000 m3 of softwood.
1969 - 1985
1985
New Ownership
Ken Davies (a long-time employee) and Pat Dalainey (an experienced logger) partnered to purchase L&M Wood Products, keeping Howard McConnell on as an owner.
2000
Fire!
The L&M sawmill is destroyed in a blaze caused by an innocuous welding spark. With the assistance of NorSask – providing a portable ‘scragg mill’ – the sawmill is rebuilt.
2000
2007
Acquisition
North West Communities and CIC considered acquiring L&M before Pat Delainey and Ken Davies decide to sell to Delainey/Davies Bros.
2008 - 2011
Upgrades
Victoria Park Capital and Delainey Bros. invest over $6.5 million to upgrade the sawmill and construct a new post plant.
2008 - 2011
2011
Sole Ownership
Delainey Bros. become the sole owners of L&M Wood Products.
2018
MLTC
L&M Wood Products is finally sold to Meadow Lake Tribal Council Industrial Investments, where it remains.
2018
2021
Re-branded as Northwind Forest Products
Under the ownership of Meadow Lake Tribal Council Industrial Investments, L & M Wood products was re-branded and Re-named Northwind Forest Products.