In 1948, the Hamjea Plywood Company of Hudson Bay, built the first
plywood plant in this area. The name was derived from a combination
of the first owners initials. H. J. England, A.E. England and M.A.
Rogers. It was a successful enterprise supplying the needs of builders
across the country. The factory was built in the northwest part
of town, in the vicinity of today's Hamjea street. The Hamjea Plywood
Company produced 40,000,000 square feet of unsanded plywood annually.
At least 30 men were employed in the plant in addition to numerous
contractors who cut and hauled poplar logs to the plant.
Within a year, fire devastated the plant and damage
was estimated at over $65,000. The plant was rebuilt in 3 months.
In 1955, lightning caused another fire which also leveled the plant.
Again it was immediately rebuilt. Then in 1956, the Hamjea plant
was purchased by a Toronto syndicate who were distributors for the
local product. The name was retained, but on December 22, 1958 -
fire once again leveled the Hamjea Plywood Plant. It was never rebuilt.
Plywood is still produced in Hudson Bay today with a much larger
plant which is operated by Weyerhaeuser Ltd.
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