Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada 04 May 2016 -- JD Irving team at the Doaktown Value Added Center announced the launch of a new product line this summer. To meet growing consumer demand, the mill will start producing rough sawn board stained to give a weathered "barn board" look.

The team has been working on the project since late November 2015 and has recently entered into agreements with several suppliers to procure equipment and plans to be in full production this July.

Local New Brunswick suppliers of equipment to the new product line include XL Plating, based in Fredericton, as well as Sussex Machine Shop and Shadcomm (control panels and electrical installation) of Miramichi.

The sawmill has partnered with Gemini Coatings to develop an exclusive finish, which is a water based, environmentally friendly solution.

Initially, the $425,000 investment in new equipment will be installed within the existing structure. Up to five new permanent new jobs will be created at the mill with the potential for further growth based on product sales. The product will be available nationwide in Home Depot stores in this coming autumn.