Knocked out of production by an explosion and fire in mid-March, the WestPine medium density fibreboard plant in Quesnel is to be back in operation by October
By then a reengineered system, designed to prevent a similar episode, should be completed, West Fraser CEO Ted Seraphim said Monday.
"After a thorough investigation we are confident that we can re-engineer the equipment and process flow at WestPine to ensure a safer working environment for everyone at the facility," Seraphim said.
The feed-stock area is located outside the plant's main production area. All 30 employees who were working at the time of the March 9 incident were safely evacuated and volunteer firefighters were called in to battle the ensuing blaze.
"We are proud of how our employees responded to this incident and I want to thank them for their professionalism and dedication to WestPine," Seraphim said.
About 100 people work at the plant which presses wood waste into particle board.
