West Fraser

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month in Canada, the U.S. and the U.K. We can all help fight this commonly diagnosed cancer by creating awareness of the importance of early detection, staying active and by raising money. Our employees in Memphis kicked off their 2024 Breast Cancer Awareness campaign on October 4, by partnering with Baptist Women’s Health Center to host a Mammogram Mobile Bus at the U.S. corporate office to promote screenings and the importance of early detection. Our Vancouver, Canada employees recently participated in the Terry Fox Run promoting activity and fundraising. Recently, our Inverness, Scotland employees sold homemade treats by donation, with proceeds going to Macmillan Cancer Support, a leading cancer charity in the U.K. By coming together across West Fraser, we can work to make a difference in the fight against cancer.

This September 30, West Fraser commemorates the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day to honour the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities.   For decades, West Fraser has worked to build and nurture collaborative, respectful, long-term relationships with Indigenous governments, communities and businesses.    We are committed to continuing to strengthen these meaningful connections, and to deepen knowledge and understanding within our organization and in the communities where we operate.   Artwork: The Survivor’s Flag, National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation

Celebrating Sustainable Forest Management At West Fraser, we recognize the vital role that sustainably managed forests play in supporting communities and families. These forests provide invaluable cultural, ecological, and economic benefits. As we observe Canada’s National Forest Week from September 22-28, we invite you to join us in reflecting on the significance of one of our nation’s most important renewable resources—our forests.

This week marks the beginning of National Hispanic Heritage Month, or Mes Nacional de la Herencia Hispana, taking place in the United States. At West Fraser, the month is an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to creating a culture of belonging each day across all levels of our organization. The month recognizes the achievements, histories, traditions, cultural diversity, contributions and influence of Hispanic Americans whose heritage is rooted in Spain, Mexico, Puerto Rico and Spanish-speaking countries in the Caribbean, Central America and South America. This year’s theme, “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together,” highlights the enduring spirit of innovation and resilience that defines the Hispanic experience.

At West Fraser, we strive to make a difference—one relationship and one community at a time—where we operate 60+ facilities in Canada, the U.S., the U.K. and Europe.    Recently our Manning Forest Products sawmill in Alberta celebrated its 30th anniversary. To mark the occasion, the local community—represented by Terry Ungarian, Reeve for the County of Northern Lights (centre, right)—presented Daryl Richards, General Manager (centre) with custom wooden coasters and a bowl. The commemorative items were hand-crafted from wood harvested within the local County of Northern Lights.   “We are extremely proud to be part of the Manning community and contribute to the local economy through the production of renewable wood building materials. We are grateful to be recognized in this way,” said Daryl. 

This Labour Day, we celebrate and thank all our employees across our operating areas for the difference they make. We wish everyone a safe and enjoyable weekend.

Across West Fraser, we are proud to celebrate the recognition of our Nacogdoches, Texas, Oriented Strand Board (OSB) mill as the Large Business of the Year by the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce!   “Nacogdoches is a very welcoming hometown community and a great place for a wood manufacturing business due to a strong industrial network, a thriving business climate, a skilled labor force and access to major markets like Houston and Dallas,” said General Manager Bo McBride.   “Being a good neighbor and building connections is the key to a thriving community. This is why West Fraser Nacogdoches uses the services and support of local contractors, machine shops and vendors, as well as supporting local organizations, events, programs and initiatives that enrich the lives of the people who live and work here.”   West Fraser is grateful for this tremendous honor and we would like to congratulate all of the 2024 award recipients. Photo credit: Kelly Augustine, Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce

Across our West Fraser operating areas in Canada, the U.S., the U.K. and Belgium, students are returning to the classroom. Wellbeing – including for our youngest community members – is a key priority for how we invest in the areas where we operate. Recently we partnered with the East Texas Boys & Girls Club to donate backpacks stocked with supplies to more than 360 children to help ensure the best possible start to the year. This is just one of the ways we are helping students have a strong start for back-to-school. Photos courtesy of Andrew Hodge and The Daily Sentinel.

At West Fraser, we are committed to helping home builders by providing a wide range of renewable lumber and engineered wood products to meet their project needs including our Lumber, Sub-flooring, Wall Sheathing, Roof Sheathing and Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL). We promote sustainable forest practices across our operations and using wood can help reduce the carbon footprint of most buildings. Watch our family of products come together to construct a house in this quick video. *Click here to read how using wood is one way towards a low-carbon global economy: https://lnkd.in/ggC7vB3y

West Fraser has signed a Joint Development Agreement with Williams Lake First Nation which recognizes the importance of the Nation in leading the forest resource management in their traditional territory while providing fibre security for West Fraser. Partnerships like this one will be key to restoring a thriving forest sector in the province.