Jan 30, 2009. /Lesprom.com/. West Fraser announced certain planned production curtailments. West Fraser expects to implement further market-related curtailments at five of its B.C. sawmills, the the company said in a statement received by Lesprom Network. Curtailments will be implemented by week-long shutdowns commencing February 9, 2009 at the five facilities followed by the implementation of temporary reduced work weeks at those facilities where such measures have not already been implemented. Total weekly production at the affected mills is currently approximately 25 million board feet while the projected temporary reduced work weeks will curtail approximately 446 million board feet on an annualized basis. These curtailments are in addition to production currently curtailed at the Company's Canadian facilities of approximately 435 million board feet on an annualized basis. West Fraser also intends to temporarily reduce production at several of its U.S. South sawmills by a total of approximately 20 million board feet. This is in addition to production currently curtailed at the Company's U.S. South facilities of approximately 600 million board feet on an annualized basis. These curtailments reflect the continuing weakening of demand as the severe downturn of the U.S. housing market continues. West Fraser is an integrated wood products company producing lumber, LVL, MDF, plywood, pulp, linerboard, kraft paper and newsprint.