It’s another blow to Northern BC’s forestry sector.
Today (Monday), West Fraser announced the closure of its Fraser Lake operations, putting 175 people out of work.
In a release, the company stated the decision was made due to the inability to access economically viable fibre in the region.
“We do not make these decisions lightly”, said Sean McLaren, President & CEO, West Fraser.
“We know this announcement has a significant impact on our employees, their families, our suppliers and the local community, who all rely on a healthy forest industry.”
West Fraser expects to provide work opportunities at other facilities within the company for those impacted.
The mill closure will reduce West Fraser’s Canadian lumber capacity by approximately 160 million board feet.
“Today’s announcement, combined with our recent decision to indefinitely curtail operations at Huttig, Arkansas and close our sawmill in Maxville, Florida better align our capacity with demand and available sources of economic fibre,” said McLaren. “We believe these initiatives, along with the decision to divest three pulp assets and acquire Spray Lake Sawmills in 2023 make West Fraser stronger through the cycle.”
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