West Fraser announces indefinite sawmill curtailment in Lake Butler amid high fiber costs

Posted on September 25, 2024   |  

West Fraser Timber Co. will stop operations at its Lake Butler, Florida sawmill indefinitely by the end of September due to high fiber costs and a weak lumber market.

This closure will impact about 130 employees and reduce the company’s U.S. lumber capacity by around 110 million board feet.

To support affected workers, West Fraser plans to offer job opportunities at other company facilities.

Rising fiber costs and low prices in the market have made it difficult to operate the mill profitably.

The decision highlights ongoing challenges in the lumber industry affecting overall profitability and operations.