Interfor Corp. will curtail operations at its Tacoma, WA sawmill on May 22. The company cited high log costs and productivity-related issues. Market conditions and the time it takes to complete operational improvements will factor in a restart date.

Canadian lumber firm Interfor will acquire four sawmills from Simpson Lumber for $94.7 million. The move increases Interfor's total capacity by 30% and pushes its U.S. business from 57% to 67% of Interfor's total capacity.

Interfor to Acquire Four Sawmills From Simpson Lumber in US Southeast and Pacific Northwest- Consideration of US$94.7 million, plus working capital and contingent future payments- Increases Interfor's total capacity by 30% - Increases the US proportion of Interfor's capacity from 57% to 67%

Simpson Lumber is for sale. The privately held business has lumber operations in Tacoma, Longview, and Shelton, WA; and plants in Georgetown, SC and Meldrim, GA, plus a door-making operation in McCleary, WA.