US EditionDrax Closing Williams Lake, B.C. Pellet Plant
The plant’s closure follows a 50% loss in annual fibre supply amid regional sawmill curtailments, affecting 30 employees and contractors, with no long-term site plans announced.
- On Nov. 26, U.K.-based Drax announced the planned closure of the Williams Lake pellet plant, saying operations will wind down as contracts and fibre supplies run out, with closure expected by the end of the year.
- Drax said the decision followed regional sawmill curtailments including the West Fraser sawmill closure and losing a bid representing 50 per cent of annual fibre supply, making the plant no longer commercially viable.
- Employees were sent home on Tuesday evening and then gathered at the plant Wednesday for the announcement, while Drax communications manager Caroline Bleay said staff will get severance and career counselling.
- Mayor Surinderpal Rathor said the closure 'blindsided' the city, which will lose nearly $400,000 in tax and utility revenue as Williams Lake city council begins 2026 capital budget discussions.
- Ottawa has moved to support the sector with $500 million in loan guarantees while Interfor Corp. increased production cuts, as Drax's closure highlights provincial forest industry challenges.
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Wood Business
Drax Closing Williams Lake, B.C. Pellet Plant
Global renewable energy producer Drax has announced that it will be closing its wood pellet plant in Williams Lake, B.C. at the end of 2025. The decision stems from a significant reduction in affordable, available fibre due to curtailments and closures of surrounding sawmills, as well as the loss of a bid for locally supplied fibre. “The decision to cease operations weighs heavily on us, as we recognize the uncertainty it creates for our dedicat…
Drax to shut B.C. wood pellet plant by year's end, says not 'commercially viable'
WILLIAMS LAKE — A company operating a wood pellet plant in the British Columbia Interior says the facility will be shuttered by the end of the year due to a lack of available fibre. U.K.-based Drax, which has faced accusations it burns old-growth B.
Drax to shut B.C. wood pellet plant by year's end, says not 'commercially viable'
WILLIAMS LAKE — A company operating a wood pellet plant in the British Columbia Interior says the facility will be shuttered by the end of the year due to a lack of available fibre. U.K.-based Drax, which has faced accusations it burns old-growth B.
Drax to shut B.C. wood pellet plant by year's end, says not 'commercially viable'
WILLIAMS LAKE — A company operating a wood pellet plant in the British Columbia Interior says the facility will be shuttered by the end of the year due to a lack of available fibre. U.K.-based Drax, which has faced accusations it burns old-growth B.
Drax to shut B.C. wood pellet plant by year's end, says not 'commercially viable'
WILLIAMS LAKE — A company operating a wood pellet plant in the British Columbia Interior says the facility will be shuttered by the end of the year due to a lack of available fibre. U.K.-based Drax, which has faced accusations it burns old-growth B.
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