In a rapidly changing job market, leadership development and a strong understanding of internal operations have become essential.
At J.D. Irving, Limited (JDI), one initiative stands out — the Value Chain Tour, a three-day immersive program designed to connect employees with every link in the company’s fully integrated forest supply chain.
More than a factory visit, the tour is a cornerstone of JDI’s talent development strategy. It helps participants grasp the interconnections between divisions while refining their leadership skills.
Exploring the Forest Value Chain, from Seed to Shelf
“The Value Chain Tour helps employees understand how the divisions are connected — from seedlings to tree planting, raw materials, and finished products,” explains Anneke Lourens, Controller for the Woodlands division.
Even those far from the company’s forest operations found the experience valuable. “It gave me a clearer sense of how my role connects to the company’s core functions,” says Patrick Leland, Operations Manager at Harbour Development.
Learning Leadership through Feedback
The program also challenges participants to reflect on how they present themselves and interact as leaders, providing daily real-time feedback from peers.
“You rarely get that kind of input after a first impression,” notes Anneke Lourens.
For Jennifer Salter, District Manager at Kent, the exercise had a tangible impact: “It made me realize how much my leadership influences business results.”
Building Skills and Perspective
By combining operational learning, personal growth, and company culture, the Value Chain Tour demonstrates JDI’s commitment to investing in its people — and to connecting, quite literally, the forest and leadership.
Founded in 1882 and headquartered in Saint John, New Brunswick, J.D. Irving, Limited (JDI) is a family-owned, diversified company operating in multiple sectors including forestry, transportation, agriculture, and shipbuilding. In the forest sector, JDI manages millions of hectares of certified forests and operates sawmills, pulp and paper mills, and other processing facilities. The company emphasizes sustainable practices, safety, and innovation, while investing in the development of its employees and the communities where it operates.
