British Columbia Innovation Council

This case describes a family-owned, entrepreneurial group of companies located in northern British Columbia, whose fortunes have been tied to the forestry industry for decades. DelTech had a long history of success as an equipment supplier for the forestry industry in British Columbia, but that segment of the business had suffered a precipitous decline, reflecting the sorry state of the industry. DelTech had begun to develop bioenergy systems for the forestry industry beginning in the early 1990s and had invested millions in new facilities, employee training, and research and development. DelTech was determined to expand the markets for its bioenergy systems, and saw immense potential in doing so, but its efforts to date had met with little success against the large competitors that dominated the energy market.

This case describes the challenges of a successful entrepreneurial company confronting very trying economic circumstances. It could be used as an integrative case in an entrepreneurship or policy course as it spans many issues, including entrepreneurial growth, managing in difficult times, innovation, corporate social responsibility and environmental sustainability. Although the context of this case is the forest industry of British Columbia, the issues that confront DelTech and the forest industry seem quite representative of the challenges faced by many primary industries and their suppliers.

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