Mar 26, 2009. /Lesprom Network/. Tembec confirmed that its sawmill located in Senneterre, Quebec will shut down effective March 27, for a minimum of 3 months. Employees affected by this shutdown were advised in meetings, as the company informed Lesprom Network. "The shutdown is directly related to the current and foreseen weak market conditions for lumber, as well as the lack of a market for chip residuals," said Michel Bastien, Vice President, Forest Products Group, Quebec Region. The Company indicated that it will continue to monitor market conditions closely and will adjust operating rates accordingly. Mr. Bastien also commented on a positive development relative to the critical issue of wood supply for the Senneterre sawmill. "Following a series of meetings with the Ministry of Natural Resources in Quebec, there have been commitments made that will result in a significant improvement in the supply of economic fibre for the mill," said Mr. Bastien. "This has been an issue of great concern for the Company and its employees over the past year and Minister Claude Béchard played a key role in bringing about this positive outcome." The Senneterre sawmill has an annual capacity of 150 million board feet of lumber and employs approximately 150 people.