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By Curtis Galbraith

COVID-19

Pandemic impacting forestry companies

Mar 27, 2020 | 5:30 AM

Forestry companies have had to make adjustments during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Norbord says in a release that as of Monday, it will be reducing production at all of its Oriented Strand Board plants across North America as demand has dropped during the pandemic.

The company is also reducing shifts and running some mills on alternating schedules, moves that are expected to result in a 25 per cent production cut at first. Norbord is also putting off what it calls non-critical capital projects and reducing its capital budget by $25-million to $75-million.

This is also being done to comply with government restrictions.

Canfor says in a release of its own that it has social distancing in place at its mills and any Woodlands staff who are able to are working from home. It has also scheduled regular cleanings. Booths, consoles and mobile equipment are sprayed and cleaned at the start of each shift. Canfor says it is also expanding its mental health supports, has restricted all travel, and has mandated self-isolation for returning travellers and anyone showing symptoms.

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Weyerhaeuser says on its web site that any employees who can are working remotely. It has also sent instructions to its operations about more frequent cleanings, social distancing, hygiene, and staggered work schedules. International company air travel and large meetings were cancelled in early March and employees were told not to gather in large groups.

International Paper says on its web site operations will continue but things like social distancing, hygiene and site cleaning are all in place.

The Alberta Forest Products Association says on its web site its staff are also working remotely. It had also cancelled in-person meetings and a lumber grading school. Lumber inspections at mills would continue.