Header: Header: Header:

West Fraser Announces Senior Leadership Transition Plan

Hank Ketcham, Chairman of West Fraser’s Board of Directors, announced that Ray Ferris, current West Fraser President and Chief Executive Officer, plans to retire on December 31, 2023.

Ferris has been with West Fraser for over 26 years in increasingly senior positions culminating in his appointment as President and Chief Operating Officer in 2018 and as a director of the Company in 2019.

During his tenure as Chief Executive Officer the company has grown substantially in sales, profits, product mix and geographic diversification. In addition, Ferris has driven the strong commitment to continual improvement in our safety, environmental and people programs.

Sean McLaren, current Chief Operating Officer, will be appointed to President and Chief Executive Officer effective January 1, 2024. McLaren has been with West Fraser and its predecessor companies for 35 years. West Fraser has benefited immeasurably from Ferris’ strong leadership and the Board enthusiastically looks forward to continued growth and success under McLaren’s leadership.

Latest News

Sawmillers Show Up At EXPO

After six shows in Atlanta, Ga. dating back to 2011, the Southern Forest Products Assn., host of the biennial Forest Products Machinery & Equipment EXPO, decided to move the 37th edition to Nashville, Tenn. Held August 23-25, this was an exciting change for exhibitors and attendees alike—the Music City Center was in the heart of the city, allowing everyone the chance to not only walk from the variety of hotels and top-notch restaurants to the show floor but also enjoy all that Nashville has to offer by way of its world-famous music scene…

Single-Family Starts Lead U.S. Housing Rebound In July

U.S. housing starts increased in July to a seasonally adjusted rate of 1.452 million, nearly 4% above June (and 6% above July a year ago). Single-family housing starts in July were at a rate of 983,000, 6.7% above June, while multi-family starts were 460,000, even with June, according to the U.S. Census Bureau and U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development monthly new residential construction report…

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.