Fraser Lake Sawmill is closing permanently, a decision that will affect 175 employees.
West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. made the announcement Monday, citing the company’s inability to access economically viable fibre in the region.
The closure will take effect in an orderly wind-down at the mill. West Fraser expects to mitigate the job losses by offering mill employees work opportunities in other operations owned by the company.
“We do not make these decisions lightly”, said Sean McLaren, West Fraser president and CEO. “We know this announcement has a significant impact on our employees, their families, our suppliers and the local community, who all rely on a healthy forest industry.”
The West Fraser mill is the major employer in the village of about 1,000 people, located between Vanderhoof and Burns Lake, 158 kilometres west of Prince George .
