West Fraser Timber Announced Permanent Output Capacity Cut at Hinton Pulp

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Vancouver, B.C.-based West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. announced that it plans to permanently reduce production capacity at its Hinton, Alberta by the end of the current year. Out of the two production lines at Hinton Pulp, one will be shut, while the remaining line will produce Unbleached Kraft Pulp (UKP) rather than Northern Bleached Softwood Kraft Pulp.

The shift to single UKP production line is expected to deliver significant environmental benefits including estimated 35% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, 25% reduction in water use, air emissions and waste generation, in addition to elimination of chlorine dioxide emissions.

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The planned capacity reduction will transition the staffing levels from 345 positions to 270. The company expressed commitment to mitigate the impact on employees through natural attrition, retirements and by offering employment opportunities at its other operations, said the company press release.

Ray Ferris, President and CEO, West Fraser noted that Hinton Pulp has been in operation since 1956 and the changes are necessary to simplify its operation, reduce capital requirements and greenhouse gas emissions, along with helping it to better align with consumer expectations.