VANCOUVER, BC – West Fraser Timber announced that it will permanently close its sawmill in Fraser Lake, BC, following an orderly wind-down. Today’s decision is the result of West Fraser’s inability to access economically viable fibre in the region. The closure of Fraser Lake Sawmill will impact approximately 175 employees. West Fraser expects to mitigate the impact on affected employees by providing work opportunities at other West Fraser operations. “We do not make these decisions lightly”, said CEO Sean McLaren, CEO. …The mill closure will reduce West Fraser’s Canadian lumber capacity by approximately 160 million board feet. “This announcement, combined with our recent decisions at Huttig, Arkansas and Maxville, Florida better align our capacity with demand and available sources of economic fibre,” said McLaren. …West Fraser anticipates recording restructuring and impairment charges of approximately $81 million in the fourth quarter of 2023.