Canfor reducing lumber production in British Columbia

Canadian lumber and pulp producer, Canfor, reported that it will be reducing production at its British Columbia sawmills.

The Vancouver, B.C.-based company said, with the exception of its WynnWood facility, it plans to run its mills at 80% of production capacity beginning the week of Aug. 30. 

Canfor also said that operating schedules may continue to vary “as economic conditions warrant.”

“Due to challenging market conditions, we are implementing reduced operating schedules at our BC sawmills that will remain in place until demand and pricing meaningfully improve,” said Stephen Mackie, executive vice president, North America, Canfor. “We recognize the impact that volatile lumber markets have on our employees, contractors and communities and we will make efforts to mitigate the negative effects.”

In recent weeks, lumber prices have been sinking after reaching record highs in the previous 12 months.

Mackie also said that Canfor will leverage its global operating platform to minimize disruptions in supplying customers.

In addition to British Columbia, Canfor operates mills in Alberta, Canada, North and South Carolina, Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Louisiana, as well as in Sweden with its majority acquisition of Vida Group. Canfor produces primarily softwood lumber and also owns a 54.8% interest in Canfor Pulp Products Inc.

Last month, Interfor reported that it expected disruptions to its sawmill operations due to wildfires in Western Canada. Canfor also reported lumber production cutbacks due to the fires.