Mako Wood Furniture, a furniture producer in Surrey, is receiving up to $5.5 million to build a new facility in Merritt that’s expected to create 29 jobs. (Image Credit: CFJC Today/File photo)
BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund

Provincial funding expected to create manufacturing jobs in Malakwa, Merritt and Salmon Arm

Apr 9, 2026 | 8:14 AM

MERRITT, B.C. — The communities of Malakwa, Merritt and Salmon Arm are expected to benefit from provincial funding allocated to manufacturing businesses.

Mako Wood Furniture, a furniture producer in Surrey, is receiving up to $5.5 million to build a new facility in Merritt that’s expected to create 29 jobs. 

“As a business proudly serving for 22 years, and currently employing 100 dedicated workers, this provincial support will enable us to highlight British Columbia’s dedication to uplifting small businesses. This initiative is pivotal for enhancing community well-being and driving economic growth in Merritt,” Mako Wook Furniture CEO Harjit Jassal says in a news release issued Wednesday (April 8). “It represents a significant step toward creating a more resilient future, delivering tangible benefits and positive change for residents across British Columbia.” 

Further east, Good Way Homes, a prefabricated home builder, is receiving $625,000 to build a new manufacturing facility in Malakwa to buy equipment that will help increase production. It’s expected to create 27 new jobs. 

Additionally, Dinoflex Group, which uses recycled rubber to make flooring and tiles, is receiving $410,000 to upgrade its Salmon Arm facility to increase its production, creating seven new jobs. 

“This funding helps accelerate our adoption of state-of-the-art automation and increased production capacity. It enables Dinoflex to meet demand across global markets, create skilled jobs for a more diverse workforce in Salmon Arm, and lead in sustainable manufacturing,” Dinoflex CEO Mark Bunz says. 

The funding through the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund is part of the B.C. government’s Look West plan. The province says it’s to grow good local jobs, strengthen regional supply chains and create new economic opportunities. 

The province says the Look West plan includes delivering major projects quicker, diversifying markets and growing targeted sectors such as technology, aerospace, marine, artificial intelligence and Quantum, life sciences, agriculture and construction innovation.