Aainsworth announces indefinite closure of high level OSB mill

Nov 28, 2007. /Lesprom Network/. Ainsworth Lumber Co. Ltd. announced an indefinite closure of its jointly-owned Footner Forest Products Ltd. oriented strand board (OSB) mill at High Level, Alberta before year-end 2007 due to operating losses and reduced customer demand. The High Level mill employs 150 people and produces approximately 700 million square feet (3/8” basis) annually. OSB production is expected to be curtailed effective December 20th. Footner will provide affected employees with severance pay and employment transition services. “The decision to indefinitely close the Footner facility reflects the severe decline in North American housing starts and structural panel consumption coupled with considerable operating cost challenges”, said Brian Ainsworth, Chairman & CEO. “The continued losses due to the stronger Canadian dollar, high freight costs to key markets, and local electricity and taxation rates have regrettably forced us to take this action. Unfortunately, we do not foresee any short-term improvement in either customer demand or costs.” Ainsworth will continue to meet their customers’ needs by supplying OSB from other mills. Headquartered in Vancouver, B.C., Ainsworth is North America’s fourth largest producer of OSB and has seven OSB manufacturing facilities with a combined annual production capacity of 3.1 billion square feet (3/8” basis).