By CKPG Today

Forestry

Permanent capacity reduction at Plateau Sawmill in Vanderhoof to cost 70 jobs

Feb 16, 2022 | 7:55 AM

VANDERHOOF — Canfor has announced the permanent reduction of 150 million board feet of production capacity at its Plateau Sawmill in Vanderhoof.

The company says it plans to resize the facility and align it with the available, sustainable timber supply in the region following the devastating impacts of the Mountain Pine Beetle infestation and other constraints on the timber harvesting land base.

Canfor says the reduction in production capacity will be achieved through a partial plant closure and the elimination of one of the three production lines in the mill.

“The capacity reduction is expected to impact approximately 70 employees at the facility and is anticipated to take effect at the end of the second quarter of 2022 following the depletion of existing log inventory.

“Canfor will mitigate the impact to affected employees by offering employment opportunities at other Canfor locations, along with relocation and transition support,” reads a company news release.

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Canfor says it will establish a community support fund and will work with the District of Vanderhoof to identify projects and initiatives that will best support the community through the transition.

In addition, Canfor plans to invest $14 million in the Plateau facility to enhance manufacturing flexibility and efficiency of the two remaining production lines and position the smaller scale operation for long-term success.