INTERFOR

History

Was Whonnock Industries until 1988; Sauder family took effective control back in 1977; and was one of three partners during the 1980s who controlled Western Forest Products (formerly owned by ITT). Sold interest in 1989.
Acquired Fletcher Challenge timber in 1991 (AAC of 1.5Mm³). More recently acquired Weldwood timber and mills (AAC 975,000 m³). Both Maps from Interfor Web site which contains good information including Annual Information File etc.

Business

57 logging operations, 10 companies, 2,000 employees; 50% of its logging done by contractors; 9 mills listed capacity, utilization and production.

Interfor puts focus on Coastal timberlands. The rationale given is that large clear grained old-growth is worth about $300/Thousand MMBF than interior lumber. A new cedar mill was recently completed; plus I see owns Helifor a helicopter logging company.

Note -- claims 1996 logging costs increased (only) 4% as result of Code.

A Tightly Held Company

Compare Interfor increasing sales over the business cycle with the source and we see most of the growth has been in the export (Asian) market as befits a Coastal BC emphasis.