West Fraser Announces Closure of Maxville, FL, Sawmill and Indefinite Curtailment of Its Huttig, AR, Facility

On Tuesday afternoon (1-9-23), West Fraser announced that it will close its sawmill in Maxville, Florida, and indefinitely curtail operations at its sawmill in Huttig, Arkansas, by the end of the month. According to the press release, the decision is the result of higher fiber costs and the softwood lumber markets. West Fraser says the closure of Maxville mill will impact approximately 80 employees, while the indefinite curtailment of the Huttig mill will impact 140 employees.

The closures will reduce West Fraser’s US lumber capacity by approximately 270 million board feet. West Fraser anticipates taking restructuring and impairment charges of approximately $50 million in 2023Q4 associated with the announcement.