West Fraser shuttering one production line at Hinton operations

West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. announced that it will permanently reduce capacity at its pulp mill in Hinton, Alta. by the end of this year.

One of Hinton Pulp’s two production lines will shut, and the remaining line will produce Unbleached Kraft Pulp rather than Northern Bleached Softwood Kraft Pulp.

“Hinton Pulp has been in operation since 1956 and these changes are necessary to simplify our operation, reduce capital requirements and greenhouse gas emissions, and better align with consumer expectations,” said Ray Ferris, president and CEO, West Fraser.

The capacity reduction will see staffing levels transition from 345 positions to 270. West Fraser expects to mitigate the impact on employees through natural attrition, retirements and by offering employment opportunities at other West Fraser operations.

“Our Hinton Pulp team has been engaged in a comprehensive review process and I want to thank them for their creativity and commitment to the mill, our customers and the environment. We remain strongly committed to the community of Hinton, the future of the plant, and to our neighbouring lumber operation, Hinton Wood Products,” said Ferris.