West Fraser closes Northstar Lumber permanently

West Fraser Timber has decided to permanently close Northstar Lumber in Quesnel, British Columbia.

The mill was idled in December 2008 putting 127 people out of work. The mill had been producing about 160 million board feet a year.

“We deeply regret the impact the mill closure will have on our employees, their families and the local community,” West Fraser chairman, president and CEO Hank Ketcham said.

“But this now triggers the certainty to our employees they need to make decisions relating to their future.”

“The permanent closure of Northstar is difficult, but a necessary action that comes during extremely challenging economic conditions,” Ketcham said.

“The ongoing economic conditions and the inevitable impact of the mountain pine beetle on future fiber availability makes this decision necessary.”

Source:

Northstar Lumber closes permanently (Quesnel Cariboo Observer)