Lower production drives West Fraser loss in Q3

VANCOUVER ― West Fraser Timber Co. reported a loss of $45 million or $0.65 per share for the third quarter, with higher production in the U.S. South outweighed by cuts to output in Canada. A year ago, the company had posted profits of $238 million, or $3.25 per share. Compared to Q2, West Fraser said its production was down by 3% as it finalized the closure of its Chasm, B.C, mill and reduced production at 100 Mile House, B.C. Sales of $1.19 billion were down from $1.65 billion the previous third quarter.