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Conifex temporarily shuts Mackenzie sawmill in B.C.

Conifex Timber is temporarily curtailing its Mackenzie, B.C., sawmill starting today, February 21, for up to two weeks.

Unsustainable inventory levels due to rail transportation challenges impacting the interior B.C. region have necessitated this step, according to a company statement.

“The decision was difficult, and we regret the impact this may have on our employees, their families, and the community. We are working closely with our transportation partners towards reliable and consistent transport availability,” said Ken Shields, chairman and CEO.

Conifex will closely monitor its inventory levels and evolving transportation availability over this period as the rail network addresses operational impacts. It is anticipated that the temporary curtailment will impact production capacity by approximately 7 million board feet.

Conifex has been reducing its production capacity since last year, citing the steep decline in lumber prices and B.C. Ministry of Forests’ policies and practices “which position sawmills in the B.C. interior region at the high end of the industry cost curve” as reasons for the reduction.