Interfor Announced Indefinite Curtailment of Sawmill Operations

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Interfor Corporation announced its decision to indefinitely curtail its sawmill operations in Philomath, Oregon. The curtailment is on account of consistently elevated log costs prevailing in the region coupled with weak lumber market conditions.

The sawmill, having an annual production capacity of 220 million board feet, will witness an orderly wind-down of operations towards the end of the first quarter, which will be immediately followed by curtailment of sawmill operations. It must be noted that the mill produces a mix of kiln-dried and green Hemlock and Douglas-fir dimensional lumber and timbers.

Meantime, Interfor will continue to operate its stud mills located in Molalla, Oregon, Longview, Washington and Port Angeles, Washington.

Commenting on the decision, Bruce Luxmoore, Executive Vice-President of U.S. Operations stated that it was a difficult one to make, but was necessary, especially in the light of the evolving operating and market environment. The company fully recognizes the impact the decision will have on its employees, he added.

Additionally, the company has decided to temporarily reduce lumber production at its British Columbia operations by around 30 million board feet during the first quarter of 2024, on account of weak market conditions, low log inventory levels and warm weather conditions.