West Fraser

Hurricane Helene – one of the worst storms the U.S. has seen in decades – and Hurricane Milton impacted many regions in the Southeastern U.S. where West Fraser has operations. Our mills and team members have been pitching in to help support their fellow community members in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida, coordinating product donations of West Fraser lumber and OSB to help with rebuilding efforts; giving funds to food banks; providing donations of essential items to relief organizations; and giving time.    At West Fraser, we believe that we share a responsibility for the communities where we operate, and we are grateful to our local teams for making a difference to the Hurricane relief efforts.

On October 11, we celebrated the official ribbon-cutting for our solar farm at our sawmill in New Boston, Texas, making it the first system of its kind to come online in the West Fraser family. West Fraser has a goal to reduce overall emissions from energy used at our mills by approximately 46% by 2030. This solar farm delivers on those priorities while providing a source of green energy to support the mill’s increased production. Thank you to New Boston Mayor Ron Humphrey, Bowie County Judge Bobby Howell, Sharon Elkins from State Representative Gary Van Deaver’s office and Andy Zellers, President of Influent Energy, for attending the event. From left, Andy Zellers, President, Influent Energy - Travis Oldershaw, VP Wood Procurement, West Fraser – Clay Garrett, GM, New Boston Mill, West Fraser - New Boston Mayor Ron Humphrey – Shenandoah Johns, Chief Environment and Sustainability Officer.

Today is World Mental Health Day across the regions where we operate, with the theme "Mental Health at Work". “At West Fraser, we believe in the importance of mental health, it’s a message we are committed to amplifying within our team and throughout the community,” said Sean McLaren, President and CEO, West Fraser. West Fraser believes in supporting our employees by highlighting the importance of mental health through company-wide initiatives and resources. We also provide funding to regional partners to strengthen their capacity to support mental health in our communities. One example is how our Inverness team is supporting Mikeysline's 'Hive on the Road', which provides mobile, in-person and accessible mental health support to remote areas like the Highlands region.

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