Sinclar Group Forest Products Ltd. is about to curtail output at four sawmills.
Lakeland Mills in Prince George, Nechako Lumber in Vanderhoof, and Apollo Forest Products in Fort St. James will be shut down for two weeks, effective August 19, putting about 300 employees out of work for that time.
"As a long-standing, family-run company, rooted and operating in North-Central B.C., the decision we've had to make today was not an easy one," said Sinclar Group President Greg Stewart. "We've deferred the decision as long as possible, due to our commitment to our employees and communities."
High log costs and challenging global market conditions were cited as reasons for the decision.
Across the three operations, production will be reduced by 25 million board feet.
The Premium Pellet operation will continue to run, as will the Prince George District Energy System. Winton Homes and Cottages in Prince George was also unaffected.
"We are committed to the long-term sustainability of the company, and to continuing support for our employees and the communities we live and work in," said Stewart. "I am confident that we will emerge from this difficult period even stronger and more resilient."
Sinclar Group Forest Products operates three primary mills (sawmills and planer mills) and two value-added mills in the Central Interior.
