BY SURBHI GOGIA
In an era of economic uncertainty, where companies are cutting costs and laying off workers, the story of Richmond Plywood Corporation Limited (Richply), a locally owned & operated co-operative by mostly Punjabis, is creating a positive tale of employment generation, perseverance, self-reliance, and adaptability.
Standing resolute on the banks of the mighty Fraser River in Richmond BC, this highly successful plywood co-operative is inviting hardworking young Canadians to grow alongside the company.
As a locally run co-operative, it manages a sprawling 26-acre facility that processes around 500,000 cubic metres of wood annually, producing approximately 260 million square feet of various 3/8” sheeting and panels. Although the mill owns various tenures, it sources most of its wood from trusted external suppliers. The result is a product that meets and exceeds industry standards—world-class plywood in demand across Canada and beyond.
Richply’s unwavering commitment to quality keeps this demand steady. “Our main competition comes from producers using uncertified wood from South America, China, and Vietnam, which lowers their costs. But we play by the rules—sourcing certified wood and introducing cutting-edge technology to remain cost-effective without cutting corners,” says Bhavjit Thandi, Chief Financial Officer. “Our distributors know that when it comes from Richply, it’s a superior product.”
In 1956, 300 visionaries invested $5,000 each to purchase land and build a mill that would one day become a hallmark of quality.
Today, Richply employs over 400 individuals, of whom 250 are shareholders. “The co-op structure sets us apart,” says Thandi. “You can start as a non-shareholder employee, work here, buy a share which will make you a co-owner, contribute like an owner, and retire as an employee.” This ownership model fosters a deep sense of investment—workers aren’t merely punching the clock, but building a lasting legacy, creating a bedrock of stability. Employee turnover is almost unheard of with many serving for up to 50 years. “Ownership also brings rewards beyond pride. Shareholders earn higher wages, generous pensions, profit-sharing bonuses, and a voice in the company’s major decisions. All key policies and purchases get approval by a 75 percent shareholder vote at the Annual General Meetings,” says Thandi.
The company’s governance is equally unique. Shareholders elect a seven-member Board of Directors on an annual basis. These directors, kept free from operational management roles to ensure approachability, act as the bridge between the workforce and leadership. Each year, the board elects a President and a Vice President among its members. Meanwhile, an Executive Team—comprising the CFO, General Manager, Manager of Log Supply, and VP of Sales and Marketing—oversees day-to-day operations, reporting directly to the President.
Employee success stories are a testament to Richply’s nurturing spirit. HARBINDER ATHWAL’S JOURNEY, from a mill worker to President, is an example. He arrived at Richply on his 16th birthday with his uncle, a long-time shareholder, and began working that very day. Over the years, he rose through the ranks, pursued professional certification in steam engineering, which the company itself funded, and eventually became a shareholder, board member and now President.
The company offers roles in labor-intensive operations, including millwrights, mechanics, electricians, steam engineers, forklift operators, and heavy machinery operators. Opportunities are abound on the management side, too. Thandi himself is a shining example. Canadian Forest Industries magazine named him Top 20 Under 40 in Canada and Wood Working Network named him Top 40 under 40 in North America.
Richply is boldly stepping into the future, embracing artificial intelligence to enhance efficiency and sustainability. Thandi secured significant Federal and Provincial funding for the first time in its history. With $2.3 million from British Columbia’s Manufacturing Jobs Fund and $6.7 million from Natural Resources Canada’s Investment in Forest Industry Transformation program, the company invested in an ambitious $18.7 million upgrade, bringing in automation and AI tools to remain a leader in the ever-evolving forest products sector. The company has invested in various projects over the past 10 years, including a new debarker, log conditioning chests, lathe line, and backup boiler in order to remain efficient and competitive in the global market.
Richply’s product range covers everything from concrete-grade plywood to decorative panels, using five key species: balsam, fir, hemlock, pine and spruce. From the first bark-stripped log to the final polished panel, every product bears the mark of pride, ownership, and exceptional craftsmanship.
But the company’s success isn’t just measured in profits or awards. It is deeply committed to giving back. It supports local First Nations communities by sourcing logs from them. It proudly donates plywood to various community projects, including the Surrey Guru Nanak Sikh Elementary School, the South Vancouver Lions Club, Uncle Vinny’s Toy Drive, and the New Westminster Gurdwara, among others.
The co-operative stands as a beacon and example of what a hardworking immigrant community can achieve by unity, ownership, and perseverance.
