Prince George, B.C.- News that Hampton Affiliates has made a firm commitment t rebuild the Babine Sawmill in Burns Lake   is being celebrated.

 

Hampton had indicated in September it was inclined to rebuild the mill that was destroyed in an explosion ad fire last January, but the final decision hinged on an adequate timber supply.

 

That final hitch has been cleared, with Hampton confident a new mill is sustainable.

 

The new facility will be smaller, two-thirds the size of the old mill. That reduced size is a reflection of the reduced log availability. The new facility will have the ability to cut metric and ALS dimension lumber for a variety of markets. Minimal foundation work has started on the site, given winter weather conditions, and major equipment will be ordered shortly. The new Babine mill is anticipated to start up in early 2014.

 

“We believe Babine will be a viable integrated business going forward with significant cooperation among Hampton, its First Nations partners and the local community – a model of future sawmill business in B.C. going forward” says Steve Zika, Hampton’s CEO. “ We live daily with the regret and sorrow of the terrible January tragedy that killed two of our employees and forever altered the lives of many in Burns Lake” says Zika, “Looking forward, the Babine sawmill rebuild will allow our employees and the community to focus on a future of renewed and sustainable economic and social prosperity for Burns Lake.”