West Fraser Timber to Close Fraser Lake Sawmill

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Vancouver-based West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. announced its decision to permanently close its sawmill in Fraser Lake, British Columbia, following an orderly wind-down. The decision comes in the wake of inability by the company to access economically viable fibre in the region in order to ensure sustained operations at the mill, said news release.

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The closure of the sawmill is feared to impact approximately 175 employees. The company targets to mitigate the impacts of the closure by offering jobs to affected employees at other mills operated by the company. Meantime, the closure will reduce the company’s Canadian lumber capacity by around 160 million board feet.

Sean McLaren, President & CEO, West Fraser noted that decision was not a light one. It is likely to have significant impact on employees, their families, suppliers as well as local community.

The announcement is line with its decision to align its operating capacity with demand and availability of economic fibre. West Fraser had recently decided to indefinitely curtail operations at Huttig, Arkansas and close its sawmill in Maxville, Florida. Also, it had proposed divestment of three pulp assets and acquisition of Spray Lake Sawmills during the previous year.