Western Forest Products

Today marks an important milestone, as Western and @TlaaminNation completed the sale of our Stillwater Forest Operation. Through this transaction, Tla'amin Nation has acquired 100% ownership of approximately 154,000 hectares of forest land in their traditional territory, located near Powell River, B.C., and Western and Tla'amin Nation have entered into a long-term fibre supply agreement. “The closing of this Transaction is an important step forward for Western and Tla’amin Nation. This milestone acknowledges the unique history, values and goals of Tla’amin Nation. For Western, it adds certainty and stability to our business through long-term fibre supply and supports our continued focus on transitioning to higher-value product manufacturing.” Steven Hofer, President & CEO, Western Forest Products “Completing this transaction is a significant moment for Thichum and for the qathet region. It gives us the opportunity to manage these lands in a way that reflects Tla’amin values and long-term stewardship, while building local employment and business opportunities and keeping more of the benefits of forestry in our community. We look forward to working with Western, our employees, contractors, and local partners as we take on this responsibility for the future.” Adam Culos, Vice President, Thichum Forest Products Read the full announcement: westernforest.com/wp-content…

Our glulam beams have helped shape an iconic piece of Seattle’s public realm—the historic Pike Place Market. For the Market's expansion, we manufactured and delivered 240,000 BF of Douglas fir glulam, with some beams reaching 65’ in length—a big structural contribution to this mixed-use waterfront landmark. This project seamlessly blends heavy timber structure with public space, retail, plazas and connectivity to Seattle’s waterfront, demonstrating how mass timber can support both performance and appearance at scale. Architect: The Miller Hull Partnership, LLP, David Lieberman, & David Miller Design Lead: Brian Court Structural Engineer: David Fields General Contractor: Garrett Condel & Sellen Construction Contractor: Swan Sodja Customer: Uresco Construction Materials

Halloween festivities across our offices and operations highlighted what makes our workplaces special—the people. From quirky costumes to creative door displays and pumpkins, team members livened up the week with creative flair. Whether you’re trick-or-treating with the kids or getting into the spirit of the season with friends, we hope you have a great Halloween weekend.

Our Timberlands team came ready to celebrate the season at the Mount Waddington Regional Fall Fair, welcoming visitors to an engaging, interactive display alongside representatives from the Ministry of Forests. Congratulations to the team for bringing home the blue ribbon once again, and thank you to this year’s organizers for creating another great opportunity to connect with community members from across Northern Vancouver Island.

We’re heading to Anaheim for NAWLA Traders Market, celebrating its 30th anniversary alongside industry professionals from across North America. Visit Booth #1011 to explore our Thermally Modified Hem-Fir alongside other Western Red Cedar and Yellow Cedar products. Our Mass Timber team will also be joining us to discuss our mass timber offerings and your upcoming projects. We look forward to reconnecting with longtime partners and meeting new faces from across the industry. See you in Anaheim! #NAWLA30

There’s always something to learn from others when it comes to safety. From harvesting to manufacturing, our teams bring different experiences and perspectives. Connecting with colleagues and industry peers creates opportunities to share ideas, challenge assumptions and explore new approaches. At the Vancouver Island Safety Conference, Western team members did just that, returning with valuable insights and training opportunities they can bring back to our operations. Thank you to the BC Forest Safety Council for bringing local industry together, and to keynote speaker Paul Krismer and speakers Darcy Kulai, Mike Kay, Dan McMillan and Bill Laturnus for sharing their insights. Special thanks to Theressa Klein, our Health & Safety Manager, for volunteering on the conference steering committee. (Photo by Geoff Howe Photography)

Based in Squamish, B.C., we’ve partnered with the talented team at Fisher Coating for the specialized factory-applied finishing on our Vancouver house pilot project. With many nationally recognized projects in their portfolio—including the Audain Art Museum and Sea to Sky Gondola—they combine industry-leading manufacturing capabilities with a highly collaborative approach. We recently spoke with Andrew Scott, President of Fisher Coating, to learn more about this approach, their interest in Western’s ThermoWood® Hem-Fir, and what architects should consider when choosing the right finish. Read the full profile here: westernforest.com/products/t… --- Project pictured: The Perch Architect: Michel Laflamme Build: Summerhill Fine Homes Inc. Photo: Matt Anthony Photography

As National Forest Products Week comes to a close in the U.S., we're celebrating the people and partnerships behind our products. Bringing products to market takes more than a single team. It takes coordination across every stage of the journey, from production at our mills through distribution by our many partners. Every team member and partner plays an important role in connecting our natural wood products with the customers who bring projects to life, from everyday applications to ambitious builds. To everyone who plays a part in that journey, thank you.

When Terry Hahn joined Western in the 80s, he planned to spend only a couple of years logging before pursuing a career in computer programming. Decades later, he’s celebrating 45 years with our team, a career shaped by challenging work, strong camaraderie and opportunities that led him to his current role as Grader Operator in Port McNeill. Growing up on northern Vancouver Island, forestry was always part of Terry’s life. His grandfather operated a road grader in Zeballos, and his father worked in nearly every role in the industry except grading. Terry credits the support and mentorship he received along the way for helping him build a long and rewarding career with Western. Englewood Operations Manager Rob Shambrook was particularly instrumental in that journey. Outside of work, Terry is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys riding his motorcycle, exploring new places and, in years past, skydiving throughout B.C. and California. One of his more memorable jumps saw him parachute into the Port McNeill Fall Fair, with permission, of course. He also enjoys roasting his own coffee at home and spending time with his wife, Janice. Congratulations, Terry, on 45 years (and counting) with Western. Thank you for your dedication, experience and the positive impact you continue to make on the team.

We’re taking a look back at the Cowichan Exhibition Logger Sports, where summer wrapped up with flying chips and forestry skills on full display. Western’s Ally Briscoe, Brad Constantine, Nicola Leonard and Nick Russell got in on the action, while Marie-Eve Leclerc helped keep the event moving as a volunteer. From axes flying to competitors racing up poles, the competition put skill, strength and a bit of nerve to the test, carrying on a logger sports tradition with deep roots on Vancouver Island. The event marked the close of the local logger sports season, with competitors now looking ahead to what’s next. Thanks to the Cowichan Exhibition team for keeping the tradition going and giving our crew a chance to be part of it. @NorthCowichan (Photos by Heather Warren)