Most of the people who work at Vanderwell are in production and manufacturing positions. As a major employer in the local region, we directly employ more than 170 people throughout our facilities: sawmill, planer mill, pellet mill, truck, maintenance, and machine shops, mobile equipment shop, log and lumber yard operations, dry kilns, woodlands, and sales & administration.
Trades People and Professionals
The people who work at Vanderwell bring a variety of skills and abilities. One of those areas is the different trades that we require to carry out the many aspects of our business safely and effectively. As well, Vanderwell employs and provides support to people in apprenticeship positions.
A Diverse and Inclusive Workplace
We fully support a diverse and inclusive workplace. It is the right thing to do, and it also creates a better and stronger business.
Our History
Vanderwell is one of Alberta’s founding lumber companies, first established in 1943. We started as a small seasonal logging and sawmill operation based in the Keephills area, south of Wabamun Lake. Since then, we have grown and moved locations until 1978, when our entire operation settled into the Slave Lake area where we continue today.
At Vanderwell, Safety Leads
We are committed to the health and safety of all employees, contractors, and visitors. We do this through a safety program that fully embraces a healthy, safe, and injury-free workplace.
Sustainability
Sustainable forest management is a top priority in everything we do. All timber land Vanderwell manages is harvested in a sustainable, responsible way that balances ecological, economic, and social needs and does not adversely affect other ecosystems. Our primary focus is always to ensure the forest remains healthy and is there for future generations.
Giving Back
We have always believed in supporting our communities. We are proud to support and be part of the Slave Lake Friendship Centre’s Holiday Hamper and Santa’s Anonymous. We have donated lumber to the Slave Lake Fire Department for some building projects. Vanderwell has supplied, and continues to supply, the lumber for the industrial education classes at Roland Michener Secondary School in Slave Lake as well as many other schools in our community.
