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American wood manufacturer Boise Cascade has announced it will curtail lumber production at its Chapman location, Chapman Plywood and Timber Products, in January.

The news was shared in a Nov. 28 media release after impacted employees were notified. Approximately 80 positions are affected indefinitely as the plant ceases lumber production on Jan. 28, 2024.

Chris Seymour, Boise Cascade vice president of manufacturing operations said the decision was based on a number of factors impacting profitability.

“The team has worked diligently every day; however, a combination of challenges, including required future investments and overall profitability, has led to this decision,” Chris Seymour said. “It was a difficult and unfortunate decision, but after evaluating a number of factors over the past year, it is not feasible to continue operating at an efficient level.”

Officials noted impacted employees received the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) in advance of the announcement. The form is required by the WARN Act and provides notification to employees of employers with 100 or more workers 60 calendar days before planned closing or mass layoffs.

The company is one of the largest producers of engineered wood products and plywood in North America and a leading wholesale distributor of building materials.

Boise Cascade Wood Products Executive Director Mike Brown said plywood operations at the Chapman location are not part of the layoffs.

“We will work with our Chapman Lumber customers to manage the transition between now and the eventual curtailment,” said Mike Brown, Executive Vice President, Wood Products. “We continue to focus on growing our engineered wood products business and supporting the remainder of our manufacturing locations.”