West Fraser to curtail Florida sawmills, cites high log costs and weak markets

West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. says it will indefinitely curtail its Perry Sawmill in Florida later this month due to high log costs and softening lumber markets. The Vancouver-based company said in a press release that the indefinite curtailment will affect around 126 employees. However, West Fraser says it will try to mitigate the effect on workers by providing work opportunities at other West Fraser operations. It says the curtailment will reduce the company's U.S. lumber production by 100 million board feet. The company says high fibre costs and a low-price commodity ...