Small Wood Pioneers   

Since incorporation in 1966, Ardew Wood Products Ltd. has been a pioneer in the wood industry.

The founders, Leif and Eleanor Norgaard were the driving force behind the world’s first finger joint pre-heat glue curing system which operated during the 1970’s.  They were also among the first to establish trade in Japan for specialty wood products from the interior of British Columbia.  

During the 1980’s, Leif recognized that the Southern Interior forests produced some of North America’s best stands of slow grown lodgepole pine.  Averaging over 80 years old, these small diameter trees provide a bright softwood that is find grained with small diameter inter-grown knots – characteristics that are necessary for products requiring superior appearance with optimum strength and machinability.

Ardew began a quest to develop an economic and innovative strategy for processing this valuable resource.  The company faced some real challenges.  Not only would it have to develop the technology to process small wood, but within the industry these trees were perceived as worthless.

It took several years, but in 1986 the Ministry of Forests awarded Ardew the first joint license to harvest 65,000 cubic metres of small wood.  The company developed and built a small log line which is operational today.

This pioneering spirit continues three decades later, as a new generation of Norgaards operates Ardew as an innovative and progressive company.  Today, Ardew Wood Products Ltd. is a leading producer of custom manufactured, value added forest products for the domestic and export specialty markets.

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