VANCOUVER, B.C. — West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. said it will close its sawmill in Maxville, Florida, and indefinitely curtail operations at its sawmill in Huttig, Arkansas, by the end of this month. The decision stems from high fiber costs and soft lumber markets.

The closure of Maxville Sawmill will impact approximately 80 employees, while the indefinite curtailment of Huttig will impact 140 employees. In aggregate, this will reduce West Fraser’s U.S. lumber capacity by approximately 270 million board feet. West Fraser expects to mitigate the impact on affected employees by providing work opportunities at other company operations.

High fiber costs at Maxville and the current low-price commodity environment have impaired the ability of both mills to profitably operate. The closure of Maxville and the indefinite curtailment of the Huttig sawmill better align our U.S. lumber capacity with demand.

West Fraser anticipates taking restructuring and impairment charges of approximately $50 million in the fourth quarter of 2023 associated with this announcement.