West Fraser to close Fraser Lake sawmill

West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. says it will permanently close its sawmill in Fraser Lake, BC, following an orderly wind-down. The decision is the result of the company’s inability to access economically viable fibre in the region. The mill closure will reduce West Fraser’s Canadian lumber capacity by approximately 160 million board feet. 

“Today’s announcement, combined with our recent decision to indefinitely curtail operations at Huttig, AR, and close our sawmill in Maxville, FL, better align our capacity with demand and available sources of economic fibre,” says Sean McLaren, president and CEO, West Fraser. “We believe these initiatives, along with the decision to divest three pulp assets and acquire Spray Lake Sawmills in 2023 make West Fraser stronger through the cycle.”