By CKPGToday

Conifex to temporarily reduce lumber production at FSJ sawmill

Dec 4, 2018 | 2:18 PM

VANCOUVER – Conifex Timber Inc. says it plans to temporarily reduce operating capacity starting January 1, 2019, until about mid-2019. The company says its Fort St. James sawmill will be affected. This will result in a 25 percent reduction in lumber production, affecting about 70 employees. 

Conifex says it expects to have sourced the majority of its lumber production from the US South supply region by the first half of 2019. 

“Moving to a single line configuration at Fort St. James in Q1 and Q2 lowers cash production costs and helps mitigate the combined impact of fibre supply issues and low lumber prices,” said Ken Shields, Chair and CEO. “This is a difficult decision but we believe it’s the best option for ongoing sustainability at Fort St. James given current market conditions. We will be seeking to mitigate the impacts on our employees as much as possible.”