Interfor Cuts Lumber Production Further in Q4

On Friday, Interfor announced revised operating plans for Q4. Citing persistently weak market conditions and ongoing economic uncertainty, the company will further reduce lumber production across operations in British Columbia, Ontario, the US Pacific Northwest, and the US South.

The curtailments are expected to reduce lumber production in Q4 by about 250 million board feet, or 26%, compared with Q2, which reflected a more normal operating stance. Curtailment volumes are approximately evenly split between Interfor’s Canadian and US operations. These reductions amend curtailments it announced on September 4.

Interfor produced 936 million board feet of lumber in Q2 and about 910 million board feet in Q3.

Interfor said it will continue to monitor market conditions across all operations and adjust production plans as needed.

Ian Fillinger, Interfor’s president and CEO, said:

“Lumber prices in all regions of North America have continued to weaken, from already unsustainably low levels. Our revised operating plans for the fourth quarter reflect our disciplined approach to match production levels with reduced market demand. While necessary, we fully recognize the impact these actions will have on our employees, contractors, suppliers, and communities.”