Hardware Retailing The Industry's Source for Insights and Information
West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. recently announced it will permanently close its Augusta, Georgia, and 100 Mile House, British Columbia, lumber mills by the end of 2025 following an orderly wind-down.
The decision is in response to timber supply challenges and soft lumber markets, the company cites. The 100 Mile House lumber mill can no longer reliably access an adequate volume of economically viable lumber due to higher duties, tariffs and challenges with demand. The Augusta location has seen similar problems. The mills will impact 165 employees in 100 Mile House and 130 employees in Augusta.
West Fraser also announced that the 2024 indefinite curtailment of its lumber mills in Huttig, Arkansas, and Lake Butler, Florida, will now be permanent. The company also confirmed its replacement Henderson, Texas, mill has commenced start-up operations and the adjacent mill has ceased operations.
The lumber and building materials industry has been significantly impacted by tariffs in recent months, forcing many retailers to make difficult decisions. In October, a 10% tariff was put on foreign softwood lumber and timber and a 25% tariff on kitchen cabinets, vanities and upholstered wooden furniture was imposed. On Jan. 1, 2026, the tariff on cabinets is expected to increase to 50% and the tariff on upholstered furniture is expected to jump to 30%.
