West Fraser Shipments Largely Impacted by B.C. Floods

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. provided operational update in response to B.C. floods. The update, based on operating conditions following floods, states that lumber and pulp shipments by the company were largely impacted. The company said that it does not anticipate another update before the announcement of its annual earnings in mid-February next year.

According to the company, severe weather and flooding conditions in the province have resulted in transportation disruptions to rail and truck routes. Furthermore, it has caused restricted access to ports, thus affecting overseas shipments.

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The road and rail closures have led to approximately 25%-30% decline in the company’s weekly lumber shipments from western Canadian region during the second half of November. Additionally, the pulp shipments to the port of Vancouver averaged less than one-fifth of normal volumes.

West Fraser has been utilizing alternative transportation routes and methods in order to ensure undisrupted service to its customers to maximum extent possible. It said that the magnitude and duration of the impact from weather conditions remain uncertain.

In response to the situation, the company has announced reduced operating schedules at various mills in Western Canadian region. The company will continue to make such arrangements as necessary in future.