West Fraser Timber’s CEO encouraged by outlook despite ongoing difficulties

West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. president and CEO Sean McLaren said he expects the company will continue to experience unpredictable challenges such as inflation risks and labour constraints. However, he told analysts during the company’s earnings conference call that West Fraser is encouraged by lower mortgages rates in the U.S. and the continued easing of inflationary pressures across much of the supply chain. “While demand markets were challenging in 2023 and there are near-term uncertainties across our business,” said McLaren, the company is optimistic about continued demand growth for the products West Fraser makes.  ...