West Fraser announces cutbacks in US sawmilling operations due to high costs

Posted on February 5, 2024   |  

Canada's West Fraser Timber Co Ltd announced the closure of its Maxville sawmill in Florida and the indefinite curtailment of its Huttig sawmill in Arkansas by the end of January.

The decision is driven by challenges such as high fiber costs and difficulties in the soft lumber markets.

The closure of the Maxville Sawmill will affect 80 employees, while the indefinite curtailment of the Huttig Sawmill will impact 140 employees.

Overall, this move will reduce West Fraser's US lumber capacity by 270 million board feet.

West Fraser aims to support affected employees by offering work opportunities at other company operations.