News Releases
Government Home Search Sitemap Contact Us  


August 25, 1999
(Forest Resources and Agrifoods)


Record year for sawmill industry in Newfoundland

Kevin Aylward, Minister of Forest Resources and Agrifoods, said today: "This has been a record year for the sawmilling industry in Newfoundland and Labrador."

The province's sawmilling industry, which currently employs thousands, directly and indirectly, in rural Newfoundland and Labrador, has grown tremendously in the last number of years. Through consolidation of existing operations and more efficient harvesting, the industry has experienced significant growth in marketable volume and value-added products.

"Sawmill production has been steadily increasing since 1989," stated Minister Aylward. "In the 1997-98 fiscal year, production was at 92.2 million foot board measure (f.b.m.). This increased during the 1998-99 fiscal year to 110 million f.b.m. By March 2000, the sawmilling industry is expected to exceed 115 million board feet production. This industry is experiencing steady growth and makes an important economic contribution to the province."

This positive growth is due to a good export market, fair market prices and new production. The main suppliers of milled wood in the province are 11 integrated mills. These mills have doubled their production during the last 10 years. They are quite labour intensive and have been a boost to the rural economy. Some of these mills have gotten into value added products, thus creating more jobs in rural areas.

"It is very important to note," said Minister Aylward, "that this increase in productivity is occurring without increasing the Annual Allowable Cut (AAC). We are getting increased value from our timber resources without increasing the strain on our wood supply.

"Not only do they supply finished lumber but, they also recover their wood chips and sell them to the provincial paper mills. Fibre exchange agreements between sawmills and paper mills, such as the exchange of saw logs for pulp chips, ensures that the entire log is utilized."

Media contact: Cynthia Layden-Barron, Communications, (709) 729-6183.

1999 08 25         10:55 a.m.


SearchHomeBack to GovernmentContact Us


All material copyright the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. No unauthorized copying or redeployment permitted. The Government assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of any material deployed on an unauthorized server.
Disclaimer/Copyright/Privacy Statement