Sinclar Group Curtails Lumber Operations Due to COVID-19

Sinclar Group Forest Products has announced a series of measures in response to the Covid-19 outbreak. These measures put a priority on the health and safety of employees and their families and communities. They are also responding to rapidly-changing market conditions, and the need to ensure business stability now and in the future.

“Our priority is to protect the health and safety of our employees and their families, with a focus on the prevention and mitigation of the spread of the Covid-19 virus in our communities,” said Sinclar Group President Greg Stewart. “We are taking our lead from the relevant public health authorities as we adjust our manufacturing operations to meet this new and challenging reality.”

Sinclar Group has already taken the following actions at all of its operations:

– Health and safety protocols at the workplace including social distancing and increased sanitation of workstations and common areas

– Work from home measures, where possible, and rotating shifts

– Self-isolation procedures for those returning from international travel and those exhibiting symptoms

– Business travel restrictions

– Restricting access to office and sites

– Employee and family assistance support

Global market conditions for lumber have changed rapidly as a result of a number of factors, not least of which is the Covid-19 situation. The company has therefore had to make the difficult decision to curtail some of its operations.

Effective Sunday, April 5th, 2020, all of Sinclar’s lumber manufacturing operations will be curtailed, including Lakeland Mills in Prince George, Nechako Lumber in Vanderhoof and Apollo Forest Products in Fort St. James, for a period of three weeks. Inventory will continue to ship from lumber operations for one week.

At this time, Premium Pellet in Vanderhoof and Winton Homes in Prince George will remain in operation to meet current demand for their products, while observing all recommended public health guidelines. These decisions will be re-evaluated on a regular basis.

“I understand this decision will cause hardship for our employees and their families. It was an incredibly hard decision to make,” said Stewart. “Unfortunately, given the current market conditions globally, the decision to curtail was a question of when, not if. It was our strong belief that curtailing at this critical time, while the world battles Covid-19, was the right thing to do as it would help reduce the risks to our community, and it allows many of our employees to be at home with their families during a very critical time.”

About Sinclar Group Forest Products

Sinclar Group Forest Products operates three primary mills (sawmills and planer mills) and two secondary (value-added) mills in the Central Interior of British Columbia, Canada. Sinclar operations include Apollo Forest Products (Fort St. James), Nechako Lumber Co. (Vanderhoof), Lakeland Mills (Prince George), Winton Homes & Cottages (Prince George) and Premium Pellet (Vanderhoof).

Contact:

Nadine Nygaard – Executive Coordinator – nadine.nygaard@sinclar.com – (778) 349-2828

Source: Sinclar Group Forest Products Ltd.