West Fraser To Idle Mills In Georgia, British Columbia

West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. announced in early November it will permanently close both its Augusta, Ga. and 100 Mile House, British Columbia sawmills by the end of 2025 following an orderly wind-down. The decision is the result of timber supply challenges and soft lumber markets, according to the company.

The 100 Mile House lumber mill is no longer able to reliably access an adequate volume of economically viable timber, the company states, adding that challenging softwood lumber demand, higher duties and additional tariffs have compounded the situation. The mill closure will impact 165 employees at the site and reduce West Fraser’s capacity by 160MMBF.

The closure of the Augusta sawmill is a result of challenging lumber demand, and the loss of economically viable residual outlets, which combined has compromised the mill’s long-term viability, the company explains. The closure will impact 130 employees at the site and reduce West Fraser’s capacity by 140MMBF.

West Fraser also announced that the 2024 indefinite curtailment of its sawmills in Huttig, Ark. and Lake Butler, Fla. will now be permanent, and the mills will be dismantled and the sites sold. The company also confirmed its replacement Henderson, Tex. mill has commenced startup and the adjacent mill has ceased operations.