Conifex takes unscheduled downtime at lumber facility
May 22, 2023 | 12:50 pm CDT

Production will halt for four weeks at the Mackenzie sawmill facility. 

Photo By Conifex Timber Inc.

VANCOUVER, B.C. — Conifex Timber Inc. plans to take unscheduled downtime for four weeks at its Mackenzie, British Columbia sawmill commencing June 5, 2023. It is anticipated that the unscheduled downtime will impact production capacity by approximately 16 million board feet.

The downtime is necessitated by the low water levels forecasted in the Williston Reservoir negatively impacting Conifex’s ability to safely and efficiently utilize its reservoir assets and reduced demand for lumber products amid challenging economic conditions. Conifex intends to utilize the production downtime to complete critical maintenance activities at its sawmill. Conifex expects to resume normal lumber production operations in July 2023, but will closely monitor market conditions and adjust production plans accordingly.

“We regret the impact this may have on our employees, their families, and the community. We appreciate everyone’s commitment to safe, reliable and efficient operations, and look forward to resuming production in July,” said Ken Shields, Chairman and CEO.

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Larry Adams | Editor

Larry Adams is a Chicago-based writer and editor who writes about how things get done. A former wire service and community newspaper reporter, Larry is an award-winning writer with more than three decades of experience. In addition to writing about woodworking, he has covered science, metrology, metalworking, industrial design, quality control, imaging, Swiss and micromanufacturing . He was previously a Tabbie Award winner for his coverage of nano-based coatings technology for the automotive industry. Larry volunteers for the historic preservation group, the Kalo Foundation/Ianelli Studios, and the science-based group, Chicago Council on Science and Technology (C2ST).