San Group\u2019s mills and remanufacturing plant in Port Alberni are struggling to maintain consistent operations due to an ongoing log shortage. The company, headquartered in Langley, Canada announced a curtailment in October, impacting production across its facilities.<\/p>\n
The large-log mill, which was initially shut down, has resumed operations but remains inconsistent. Kevin Somerville, vice-president of operations, stated that while the mill is back up and running, log supply continues to be unpredictable. \u201cAt times we run, and at times we don\u2019t. We don\u2019t have a steady diet [of logs] at this point,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
San Group purchases logs from the open market, timber sales, and First Nations, with most of the supply coming from Vancouver Island and the Central Coast. However, all buyers are facing tight supplies. Contributing factors to the fibre shortage include wildfires, regulatory hurdles, logging deferrals to protect older forests, overharvesting in previous years, and the natural growth cycles of replanted trees.<\/p>\n
The company\u2019s remanufacturing plant, initially shut down for two weeks, has been operating at \u201chalf throttle\u201d since. Lumber produced at the mills supports this facility, which manufactures products for the retail market.<\/p>\n
The curtailment, which affected approximately 75 workers, has added pressure to the company\u2019s operations. San Group employs around 250 people across its Lower Mainland and Port Alberni sites.<\/p>\n
Earlier this year, the province placed liens on San Group\u2019s Port Alberni sawmill lands, citing $22 million in unpaid stumpage fees. This financial strain, combined with the challenges in securing raw materials, underscores the difficulties facing the company.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
San Group\u2019s mills and remanufacturing plant in Port Alberni are struggling to maintain consistent operations due to an ongoing log shortage. The company, headquartered in Langley, Canada announced a curtailment in October, impacting production across its facilities. The large-log mill, … Continue reading