Gorman Group Purchases Princeton, B.C. Sawmill
Weyerhaeuser has announced it has reached an agreement to sell its lumber mill in Princeton, British Columbia, to the Gorman Group, owners of Gorman Bros. Lumber Ltd., a family-owned wood products manufacturer headquartered in West Kelowna, B.C. The purchase price is approximately $120 million CAD in cash, which includes Weyerhaeuser’s manufacturing facility, all associated timber license assets in British Columbia and the value of working capital, which will be subject to customary purchase price adjustments at closing.
Weyerhaeuser and Gorman Group have a long-standing relationship in Canada. Gorman Bros. Lumber is currently the Princeton mill’s largest customer, and Gorman Group has operated in Canada for more than 75 years, with offices and facilities in B.C. and Washington state.
“Weyerhaeuser’s Princeton operation will be a natural fit with the Gorman Group,” says Nick Arkle, CEO, Gorman Group. “We’ve had a strong connection to the Princeton operation for many years, and we know firsthand the skill, commitment and quality that define its team. We’re delighted to welcome this mill and its people into the Gorman Group family, as this move will strengthen our company, support the sustainability of good jobs in our communities and help us continue developing the world-class wood products we’re known for. This really will be a case of the whole being stronger than the sum of its parts. We’re looking forward to working together with First Nations, governments, communities and all our employees to make this a B.C. success story.”
The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory review, with the sale of the mill expected to be completed in third quarter 2025, and the forest tenures to follow over the ensuing months. Weyerhaeuser expects to recognize a gain on the sale and incur a tax liability of approximately $15 million CAD. Weyerhaeuser’s other operations in Canada will not be affected by this transaction, and the company will continue to operate the Princeton mill independently of the Gorman Group until the transaction closes.
Latest News
Weyerhaeuser Names Brian Chaney To Lead Wood Products
Weyerhaeuser Co. has appointed Brian Chaney as senior vice president of Wood Products. Chaney recently served as vice president of Engineered Wood Products and Innovation for the company, and will take over for Keith O’Rear, who retired June 3 and will serve as a strategic advisor to the company through the end of 2024.
BC Timber Supply Stymies Canfor
After thorough analysis of the persistent shortage of economically available timber and challenging operating conditions in northern British Columbia, Canfor Corp. announced the permanent closure of its Polar sawmill in Bear Lake, BC and the suspension of its planned reinvestment in Houston, BC. This follows the announcement by subsidiary company, Canfor Pulp, that one line of production will be indefinitely curtailed at the Northwood Pulp Mill.
New Northwest Pellet Mill Gains Approval
New Northwest Pellet Mill Gains ApprovalAir quality officials recently issued a final notice and...
Collins Sues PG&E Over Dixie Fire
Collins Pine Co. and several affiliated companies have filed a lawsuit against Pacific Gas and Electric utility seeking compensation for property and business losses stemming from the Dixie Fire in July 2021, which was caused by PG&E’s equipment and negligent operations, according to the complaint.
Find Us On Social
Newsletter
The monthly Timber Processing Industry Newsletter reaches over 4,000 mill owners and supervisors.
Subscribe/Renew
Timber Processing is delivered 10 times per year to subscribers who represent sawmill ownership, management and supervisory personnel and corporate executives. Subscriptions are FREE to qualified individuals.
Advertise
Complete the online form so we can direct you to the appropriate Sales Representative.