BURNABY, British Columbia – In response to what it termed “persistently weak market conditions,” Interfor Corp. announced plans to reduce its lumber production by approximately 175 million board feet between May and September of 2024. The reductions represent nearly 10% of the company’s normal operating stance.

Interfor said the temporary curtailments will impact all of its operating regions, including the U.S. South, through a combination of reduced operating hours, prolonged holiday breaks, reconfigured shifting schedules and extended maintenance shutdowns.

On Feb. 15, Interfor announced it would indefinitely curtail its sawmill operations in Philomath, Ore. The Philomath sawmill had an annual production capacity of 220 million board feet and ceased operations and shipments at the end of March 2024.

“Benchmark lumber prices have continued to weaken since the beginning of the year, from already unsustainably low levels, as available supply has outstripped product demand,” said Ian Fillinger, Interfor’s president and CEO. “This action will help bring Interfor’s production and the needs of our customers back into balance. It will also help to keep inventory levels in check as we move into the summer.”

The company said it will continue to monitor market conditions across all of its operations and adjust its production plans accordingly.

Interfor has annual lumber production capacity of approximately 5 billion board feet and offers a diverse line of lumber products to customers around the world.