San Group Curtailing Its Large-Log Sawmill and Value-Added Manufacturing Plant in BC Due to Log Shortage

Citing a lack of consistent fiber supply and a depleted log deck, the San Group announced on Thursday that it is temporarily shutting down its large-log sawmill and value-added manufacturing plant in Port Alberni, BC, affecting about 75 workers, the Times Colonist reported (10-18-24).

San Group Vice President of Operations Kevin Somerville said that the company is seeking more supply in the hopes of resuming operations by early November. San’s large-log sawmill closed Thursday after running out of logs on Wednesday.

“We are hoping to get back up on some supply coming in, but it is probably going to be up and down for a little bit until we secure more logs on the longer-term basis,” Sommerville told the Times Colonist, adding that this is the first time the large-log line has been down this year because of lack of logs.

San’s adjacent small-log sawmill has enough supply for one or two weeks and has been sourcing some logs on Vancouver Island.

The value-added plant, which relies on lumber from the sawmills, is shutting down on Monday for a minimum of two weeks. This facility turns out engineered cedar products using ultra-thin sheets of veneer.

“It’s going to be up and down on that fiber supply,” Somerville said. “If the logs are in front of the mill, we will run.”

San Group buys logs on the open market through timber sales and First Nations. Much of the company’s supply comes from northern Vancouver Island and the Central Coast.