Monday, December 8, 2025
After an orderly wind-down and consumption of the mill’s current log supply, West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. (“West Fraser” or the “Company”) (TSX and NYSE: WFG) announced today that it will permanently reduce its oriented strand board (OSB) mill in High Level, Alberta, in the spring of 2026. West Fraser’s capacity is anticipated to be reduced by 860 million square feet (3/8-inch) as a result of today’s decision, which was made due to a notable decline in OSB demand. By offering job options at other corporate activities, where available, West Fraser hopes to lessen the impact on the roughly 190 affected employees at the plant.
Additionally, West Fraser indicated that one of its production lines at its OSB facility in Cordele, Georgia, which has been idle since late 2023, will remain idle forever. The capacity of Cordele’s idle production line is 440 million square feet (3/8-inch).
Residential construction (sheathing, sub-flooring, roof decking, etc.), repair and remodeling, and industrial applications are the main uses for West Fraser’s OSB products in North America. Since the OSB line of business was purchased in 2021, the High Level mill has been a part of the West Fraser family.
Due to the High Level OSB mill’s extended curtailment, West Fraser anticipates recording an asset impairment loss of about $200 million in the fourth quarter of 2025.
On West Fraser
With more than 50 locations across Canada, the US, the UK, and Europe, West Fraser is a diversified wood products company that actively supports sustainable forest practices. Lumber, pulp, newspaper, wood chips, engineered wood products (OSB, LVL, MDF, plywood, and particleboard), and other residuals are all produced by the company. West Fraser’s products are utilized in papers and tissue, industrial uses, and home building, repair, and remodeling.
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Tags: High Level Alberta OSB closure, North America engineered wood products, OSB demand decline, OSB industry news 2026, West Fraser capacity reduction, West Fraser OSB mill reduction
