Sean McLaren

West Fraser said key trends that have been positive drivers of new home construction in recent years are expected to continue, but also said potential US tariffs add an element of uncertainty. Sean McLaren, the company’s CEO, said the company saw somewhat challenging markets in Europe and the U.K. in the fourth quarter, as the region appears to be undergoing a protracted recovery. McLaren also said relatively high mortgage rates present an affordability challenge for consumers and housing markets. …”While we cannot control the threat of US tariffs, we can be proactive, creating a stronger organization with a continued focus on improving the cost position across our mill portfolio and investing capital to modernize mills where it makes sense,” McLaren said. …Over the medium term, new home construction, repair and renovation are expected to benefit from improved home affordability. …”Over the longer term, growing market penetration of mass timber in industrial and commercial applications is expected”.