BRITISH COLUMBIA – Brink Forest Products Ltd., a leading value-added company marking its 50th year in Northern British Columbia, has submitted an Addendum to its September 9, 2024, Letter of Intent to purchase four sawmills from Canfor Corporation. This significant move reinforces Brink’s ongoing commitment to the region and its industries, following the initial Letter of Intent. The sawmills in Bear Lake, Fort St. John, Vanderhoof, and Houston present an opportunity for Brink to protect local manufacturing jobs and support regional economies.
“This acquisition is crucial for Brink and the communities we’ve served over the past 50 years,” said John A. Brink, CEO and Founder of Brink Forest Products. “Canfor has been a key partner for more than three decades, and their sawmills are essential to our operations. With Canfor’s exit from Northern B.C., we had to act decisively to prevent the loss of thousands of jobs tied to this supply chain.”
This proposed acquisition comes at a time when B.C.’s forest sector is facing significant challenges, including government policy issues, high fibre costs, a reduced annual allowable cut, and the negative impact of U.S. softwood lumber tariffs. Over the past 15 years, these challenges have resulted in the closure of half of B.C.’s sawmills and 75% of its value-added plants. For Brink, the potential closure of Canfor’s mills threatens its primary lumber supply, leaving the company—currently operating at 50% capacity—in a vulnerable position.
Founded in 1975 by John A. Brink, Brink Forest Products started as a small value-added facility with three employees. Now part of the Brink Group of Companies, the company has expanded its operations to Prince George, Vanderhoof, and Houston, employing over 400 people. For decades, Brink has been a passionate advocate for keeping value-added manufacturing in the regions where timber is harvested—a principle known as “appertancy,” which drives this latest acquisition effort.
To support the acquisition, Brink enlisted Industrial Forest Service Ltd. (IFS), with President Rob Schuetz at the helm, to conduct an in-depth analysis of the renewable timber tenures linked to the four sawmills. IFS, recognized as leaders in the global forest industry, assessed the fair market value of these assets and forecasted future timber volumes. Their analysis focused on two main objectives: determining the future volume of replaceable tenure for each mill and evaluating the fair market value per cubic meter of tenure. This assessment formed the basis for the offer Brink presented to Canfor today.
Brink’s dedication goes beyond economic factors. The company has built a strong, longstanding relationship with First Nations and local communities in Northern B.C. Over the past five decades, Brink has worked with these groups to ensure their interests are represented and is now collaborating with First Nations, the United Steel Workers Union, and community leaders to explore potential job creation from the acquisition.
“This is about more than just saving Brink Forest Products—it’s about protecting the livelihoods of thousands of families in Northern B.C.,” Brink emphasized. “We’re committed to staying, investing, and helping these communities continue to thrive. I’ve been here for 50 years, and I’m not going anywhere.”
Founded in 1975 by John A. Brink, Brink Forest Products started as a small value-added facility with three employees. Now part of the Brink Group of Companies, the company has expanded its operations to Prince George, Vanderhoof, and Houston, employing over 400 people. Throughout its history, Brink has championed keeping value-added manufacturing close to the source of harvested timber, a principle known as “appertancy,” which underpins the current acquisition effort.
Business Examiner Staff