In an email sent to Black Press Media, the owner of British Columbia’s Nelson Star newspaper, West Fraser Corporation confirmed that it is temporarily rolling back its operating schedules at their lumber mills across British Columbia, from 5-days a week to 3-days a week, due to ongoing transportation challenges.
News in lumber
Potential Impacts of Russia-Ukraine Conflict on Softwood Log and Lumber Markets
Sanctions on Russia will severely limit its ability to participate in international trade, but the impacts to its softwood log and lumber trade are likely to be less affected than other industries.
Canfor Completes Purchase of Millar Western Forest Products Ltd.’s Solid Wood Operations
Canfor Corporation announced today (3-1-22) that it has finalized and completed the purchase of Millar Western Forest Product Ltd.’s solid wood operations, which was originally announced on December 16, 2021. Don Kayne, President and CEO, Canfor said, “We are very excited to welcome the employees at the Whitecourt, Fox Creek, and Spruceland facilities to the Canfor team.”
Canfor to Sell Mackenzie Assets for $70 Million
Canfor Corporation on Thursday (2-24-22) announced that it has entered into a Letter of Intent with McLeod Lake Indian Band and Tsay Keh Dene Nation to sell its forest tenure in the Mackenzie region of British Columbia and in a separate agreement with Peak Renewables to sell its Mackenzie site, plant, and equipment for a combined price of $70 million (CAD).
Interfor Corporation Completes Acquisition of EACOM Timber Corporation
Interfor Corporation said today (2-23-22) that it has completed the previously announced transaction to acquire 100% of the equity interests of EACOM Timber Corporation from an affiliate of Kelso & Company. The transaction was effective as of February 22, 2022.
Fire at Weyerhaeuser’s Grand Prairie, Alberta Sawmill Under Investigation, but Mill Remains Operational
The fire was located in between the building walls, which made it difficult for firefighters to access the main body of fire. Crews remained on the scene chasing hot spots throughout the day and to make sure the building was safe. According to local news sources the building and the sawmill remains operational.
Despite Setbacks, Hampton Lumber Anticipates Opening Fort St. James, B.C. Sawmill This Summer
Oregon-based Hampton Lumber Company is still anticipating a summer opening of their new sawmill in Fort St. James, B.C. The plan remains on track despite the negative impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain shortages, and the weather.
EACOM Timber’s Timmins Sawmill Fire Will Not Lead to Layoffs at the Facility
A fire at EACOM Timber sawmill in Timmins, Ontario on Monday (2-14-22) caused roof damage to the facility, but it was not severe enough to force a curtailment at the operation. Employees returned to the site on Wednesday (2-16-22) after being off on Monday and Tuesday for safety reasons.
Western Forest Products to Resume Production at Chemainus, B.C. Sawmill on February 22, 2022
Western Forest Products (WFP) announced today (2-16-22) that it intends to restart production at their Chemainus, B.C. sawmill operation on Tuesday, February 22, 2022. Production was temporarily halted on February 2, 2022, as weather and harvest conditions contributed to the temporary log shortage.
Canfor to Reduce Production Capacity at Plateau Sawmill by 150 Million Board Feet
Canfor Corporation announced on Tuesday (2-15-22) the permanent reduction of 150 million board feet of production capacity at its Plateau Sawmill to resize the facility and align it with the available, sustainable timber supply in the region following the devastating impacts of the Mountain Pine Beetle infestation and other constraints on the timber harvesting land base.