West Fraser Puts Leola Sawmill On Hold
West Fraser announced that it will indefinitely curtail its Huguley oriented strandboard (OSB) mill in Lanett, Ala. and sawmill in Leola, Ark. These curtailments are expected to take effect in the fourth quarter following orderly wind-downs.
These decisions are the result of continued weakness in demand for wood products used in new home construction and repair and renovation applications, according to the company. These actions are expected to reduce West Fraser’s OSB capacity by 500MMSF and southern yellow pine lumber capacity by 225MMBF on an annual basis.
“Over the last quarter, housing affordability continued to be a key constraint for wood products demand, which remains soft,” says Sean McLaren, West Fraser President and CEO. “We were also impacted by higher energy-related input costs. Our teams responded by running mills to demand, reducing inventory and controlling costs.
“Decisions like this are never easy because of the impact they have on our employees, their families and the communities where we operate. We are grateful for their hard work and contributions, and we are committed to supporting them through this transition.”
Latest News
Lumber Prices Head Upward Along With Homebuilding
Prices for lumber futures contracts are beginning to rise, after drifting downward for months. China’s building contraction and the winter hiatus knocked down prices, but they could jump dramatically, say analysts, as U.S. homebuilding surges.…
B.C.’s Lakeland Mills Explosion Deaths Ruled Accidental
googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-1548381510056-0’); }); A coroner’s inquest has ruled the deaths of two men at the Lakeland Mills explosion in Prince George, B.C, as accidental. Thursday’s ruling includes 33 recommendations aimed at improving workplace safety…
Interfor To Acquire Arkansas Sawmill From The Price Companies
googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-1548381510056-0’); }); Interfor Corporation recently announced that it has reached an agreement with The Price Companies, Inc. to acquire Price’s sawmill in Monticello, Arkansas. The Monticello Sawmill is located in Southern Arkansas, approximately…
Simpson Lumber Company Announces Washington Mill Closures
googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-1548381510056-0’); }); Simpson Lumber Company LLC delivered a blow to the city of Shelton, announcing that the company will close two mills, which will result in about 270 jobs lost. The closures are…
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.