Another company has fallen victim to the ongoing downfall of the B.C. forestry sector.
West Fraser Timber announced this morning (Sept. 10) they will be starting variable operating schedules at five B.C. sawmills that will cut production in the range of 15 to 25 per cent.
Sawmills affected are Quesnel, Williams Lake, 100 Mile House, Fraser Lake, and Chetwynd.
The operating schedules at these sawmills will vary and be adjusted from time to time depending on then market conditions, a news release reads.
The company adds the potential effect of the revised operating schedules could be an aggregate reduction by up to 100 million board feet through the end of the year.
Plywood production in B.C. will be curtailed for two weeks, reducing output by roughly 9 Msf.
"The variable operating schedules for sawmill operations and the curtailment of plywood operations in B.C. are expected to commence September 16, 2019," the release adds.
The company says the moves are the result of sustained weak markets, pricing in wood product markets as well as high log costs.
They add they anticipate continuing the variable operating schedules at its B.C. sawmills until the market and economic conditions support a return to full production.
