Aditya Birla Group And Pays Plat First Nation Sign First Wood Harvesting Contract
by Scott A. Sumner
DP Modani is the Aditya Birla Jt. President Commercial Pulp Strategy and was on hand to sign an agreement to supply wood to the Terrace Bay mill. This is the third mill in Canada for the Aditya Birla company. They already have two in New Brunswick, one plant in India, one in Sweden and one more in Laos, Cambodia. The group does about $ 40 billion in annual sales world wide with 125,000 employees and is headquartered in Bombay, India.
“ We produce textile materials and need pulp to make this material. Canada is a competitive source on a long term sustainable basis and that is the reason why we are here. It is spun into yarn and one can make fabrics out of it and other applications,” said Modani who is a chartered accountant by training and secretary and an officer of the company. “ I am working out of Thunder Bay now because of the requirement to concentrate on the supply of wood.We want to ensure the wood supply for the Terrace bay operation and there is a lot of government and First Nations involvement. It has been a good experience in Canada. People deliver and are very professional.”
“ It is a great day for Pays Plat,” said Raymond Goodchild who is a councillor in the Pays Plat First Nation. “ I am very excited to work with the Minister and the company on this project. We want to build a great relationship. We hope to continue the work with Birla and our community , the north shore and the whole area from Sault Ste. Marie to Thunder Bay will benefit.”
“ It is a wonderful opportunity now that the mill is reopened and we enjoy working in the community. I am happy with the work that is being done here and the partnerships. Our ministry is happy to work with the Birla group. This is the first of a number of initiatives. It is important to celebrate this agreement with Pays Plat First Nation.” said Michael Gravelle, Minister of Forestry.
