West Fraser Timber, out of Vancouver, BC, continues to grow its lumber business in the US south with news this week of its agreement to purchase Bibler Brothers Lumber’s sawmill and lumber manufacturing operations in Russellville, AR.
Located near West Fraser’s newly acquired mill in Mansfield, Bibler Brothers produced approximately 136 million board feet of lumber in 2013 and in excess of 160 million board feet in 2005.
West Fraser also said the acquisition of Alberta-based Buchanan will complement its existing operations in the area. The lumber and composite panel producer also said it plans to expand the annual capacity at the Buchanan facility from the current 110 million board feet to approximately 175 million board feet. The acquisition also includes timber rights of an annual allowable harvest of approximately 430,000 cubic metres of coniferous timber and 21,000 cubic metres of deciduous timber. West Fraser says the sawmill produced about 136 million board-feet of lumber last year.
The deal is expected to close before the end of April.
West Fraser also said it has closed its purchase of the Buchanan Lumber sawmill in Alberta and plans to expand its annual capacity to about 175 million board feet from about 110 million.
