Timber titans: 10 wood producers powering Canadian construction

Canada is one of the world’s largest producers and exporters of wood products, including lumber, plywood, and engineered wood. The country’s vast forest resources covering about 38% of our land area.

Wood products are essential in the Canadian construction industry, particularly in residential building. Wood is used for framing, flooring, roofing, and interior finishes due to its versatility, strength, and environmental benefits. Recent advancements in engineered wood products, such as cross-laminated timber (CLT), are expanding the use of wood in large-scale and high-rise construction.

We have put together a list of some of the nation’s biggest suppliers of wood products that enable the construction sector to keep building.

West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd.

Headquarters: Vancouver, British Columbia

Number of Mills: Over 60 mills across Canada, the U.S., and Europe

West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd., founded in 1955 in B.C., has grown to become one of the largest lumber producers in the world. The company operates over 60 mills across Canada, the U.S., and Europe, producing a wide range of wood products, including softwood lumber, plywood, OSB, and engineered wood. West Fraser has a strong focus on sustainable forest management and responsible operations. Recently, the company has been expanding its footprint through strategic acquisitions, including the purchase of Norbord in 2021, a global leader in OSB production. West Fraser continues to adapt to market demands, with ongoing investments in mill modernizations and environmental initiatives.

Canfor Corporation

Headquarters: Vancouver, British Columbia

Number of Mills: 26 sawmills across Canada, the U.S., and Europe

Established in 1938 and headquartered in Vancouver, Canfor Corporation is one of Canada’s largest integrated forest products companies, with operations in Canada, the U.S., and Europe. Canfor specializes in the production of softwood lumber, pulp, paper, and engineered wood products, serving markets worldwide. The company is known for its commitment to innovation and sustainable practices, including achieving 100% certification of its forest operations under internationally recognized standards. In recent news, Canfor has been navigating market volatility and environmental challenges, with efforts to diversify its product mix and expand into higher-value wood products, while also investing in green energy projects.

Resolute Forest Products

Headquarters: Montreal, Quebec

Number of Mills: 16 wood product facilities in Canada

Resolute Forest Products, with roots dating back to 1820, is a global leader in the forest products industry, headquartered in Montreal. The company operates 40 facilities across North America, including 16 wood product mills in Canada, producing a diverse range of products, including market pulp, tissue, wood products, and paper. Resolute is recognized for its sustainability initiatives, including responsible forest management and significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. In recent years, Resolute has focused on restructuring its operations to improve profitability, including the sale of its Fort Frances mill in 2021 and continued investments in tissue production. The company remains a key player in the North American wood products market.

Interfor Corporation

Headquarters: Vancouver, British Columbia

Number of Mills: 21 sawmills across North America

Interfor Corporation, founded in 1963 and based in Vancouver, is one of the largest lumber providers globally, with 21 mills across North America. Interfor’s operations span British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, and the U.S. South, producing a wide array of wood products, including softwood lumber and engineered wood. The company has a strong reputation for efficiency and product quality, supported by continuous investments in modernizing its facilities. Interfor has been active in expanding its operations, including the recent acquisition of four sawmills from Georgia-Pacific in 2021, positioning it as a major player in the North American lumber market.

Tolko Industries Ltd.

Headquarters: Vernon, British Columbia

Number of Mills: 14 wood product facilities in Canada

Founded in 1956 and headquartered in Vernon, British Columbia, Tolko Industries Ltd. is a family-owned company that has grown into a significant player in the North American wood products industry. Tolko operates 14 wood product mills across Western Canada, producing lumber, plywood, OSB, and engineered wood products. The company is known for its commitment to sustainable forestry and community engagement. Tolko has recently focused on diversifying its product offerings and improving operational efficiencies. In 2023, Tolko made headlines with the launch of a new mass timber facility, positioning itself as a leader in the growing market for sustainable building materials.

Weyerhaeuser Company

Headquarters: Seattle, Washington (U.S.)

Number of Mills: 35 manufacturing facilities in North America, including in Canada

Weyerhaeuser, founded in 1900 and based in Seattle, Washington, is one of the largest private owners of timberlands in the world, with significant operations in Canada. The company manages over 13 million acres of timberland and operates 35 manufacturing facilities across North America, including in Canada, producing a wide range of wood products, including softwood lumber, OSB, and engineered wood products. Weyerhaeuser is known for its strong environmental stewardship and innovative approach to forest management. Recently, the company has focused on expanding its presence in the Canadian market, particularly in Alberta and British Columbia, while also investing in sustainable forestry practices and renewable energy initiatives.

J.D. Irving, Limited

Headquarters: Saint John, New Brunswick

Number of Mills: 11 sawmills in Eastern Canada

J.D. Irving, Limited, established in 1882 and based in Saint John, New Brunswick, is a diversified conglomerate with extensive forestry operations in Eastern Canada. The company operates 11 sawmills and wood product manufacturing facilities, supplying lumber, plywood, and other wood products to the construction industry. J.D. Irving is committed to sustainable forest management, with over one million acres of forest land under its care. The company has been involved in several initiatives to reduce its environmental footprint, including reforestation efforts and investments in energy-efficient technologies. In recent news, J.D. Irving has been expanding its operations, including the modernization of several mills to increase capacity and improve product quality.

Eacom Timber Corporation

Headquarters: Montreal, Quebec

Number of Mills: 8 sawmills and 1 engineered wood products facility in Canada

Eacom Timber Corporation, founded in 2008 and headquartered in Montreal, is a major producer of softwood lumber in Eastern Canada. Eacom operates eight sawmills and one engineered wood products facility, primarily in Ontario and Quebec. The company has a strong commitment to sustainable forestry and is certified under several environmental standards. In 2021, Eacom was acquired by Interfor Corporation, which has since integrated Eacom’s operations into its own, further expanding its presence in the Eastern Canadian market. Eacom continues to play a vital role in supplying wood products to the construction industry, with a focus on high-quality lumber production.

Domtar Corporation

Headquarters: Fort Mill, South Carolina (U.S.)

Number of Mills: 12 manufacturing facilities in Canada

Domtar Corporation, originally founded in 1848 as Dominion Tar and Chemical Company, has evolved into a leading provider of fiber-based products, including pulp, paper, and wood products. Headquartered in Fort Mill, South Carolina, Domtar operates in Canada primarily through its wood products division in Quebec and Ontario. Domtar operates 12 manufacturing facilities in Canada. The company is known for its strong commitment to sustainability and innovation in manufacturing processes. In recent years, Domtar has undergone significant restructuring, including the divestment of its personal care business in 2021 to focus on its core pulp and paper operations, while also exploring opportunities in bio-based products and renewable energy.

Tembec Inc. (now part of Rayonier Advanced Materials)

Headquarters: Jacksonville, Florida (U.S.)

Number of Mills: 14 facilities in Canada, including sawmills and pulp mills

Tembec Inc., founded in 1973 in Quebec, was a major player in the Canadian forestry industry, known for its production of lumber, pulp, and paper. In 2017, Tembec was acquired by Rayonier Advanced Materials, a global leader in cellulose-based products, now headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida. The company’s operations have since been integrated into Rayonier’s, with a focus on producing high-purity cellulose, paperboard, and lumber. Rayonier manages 14 facilities in Canada, including sawmills and pulp mills. Tembec’s legacy in sustainable forestry continues under Rayonier, with significant investments in environmental stewardship and energy efficiency. The company has also been expanding its product offerings to include more value-added wood products, catering to the growing demand for sustainable materials in the construction industry.