Sawmill Sector Seeks Spotlight as Newfoundland and Labrador’s Forest Industry Evolves
When discussing the future of the forest industry in Newfoundland and Labrador, attention often centers on the struggling newsprint mill in Corner Brook. However, key players in the lumber manufacturing sector say their industry is quietly building a strong and sustainable future.
Opinions differ sharply on the role of Kruger-owned Corner Brook Pulp and Paper and its $700-million plan to modernize operations while becoming a long-term electricity supplier to the provincial grid.
Kyle Osmond, operations manager at Burton’s Cove Logging and Lumber in Hampden, expresses confidence in the company’s direction. He believes Kruger’s plans signal a positive trajectory for the broader forest industry in the province.
In contrast, Kevin Sexton, owner of Sexton Lumber in Bloomfield, takes a more critical stance. He challenges the notion that the Corner Brook mill is the backbone of the industry, arguing instead that independent sawmills like his play a more central role.
Different Business Models, Different Outlooks
The divide between these perspectives reflects two very different business models within the sector.
On the west coast, Burton’s Cove Logging and Lumber is closely tied to the newsprint mill. The Hampden-based operation sources most of its saw logs from Corner Brook Pulp and Paper and, in turn, supplies wood chips and bark back to the mill. These byproducts are essential for paper production and energy generation.
Osmond acknowledges that this interdependence is critical. Without the newsprint mill, he says, the Hampden sawmill would not survive. The facility supports dozens of jobs and remains a key economic driver in the White Bay South region.
Meanwhile, Sexton Lumber operates independently of the Corner Brook mill. Based in Bloomfield, the province’s largest sawmill sources timber from central Newfoundland through government permits and purchases from private logging contractors.
Sexton argues that his business model supports a broader network of small contractors and questions the need for continued public support for the newsprint mill. He has also stopped selling wood chips to Corner Brook, citing disagreements over pricing.
Instead, Sexton is exploring alternative uses for the growing stockpile of wood chips, including generating power for his own operations and potentially supplying excess electricity to the provincial grid.
Technology Driving Growth
Modern sawmill operations are increasingly defined by automation and efficiency. Sexton Lumber’s facility uses advanced systems, including lasers and sensors, to process logs at high speed—producing around 150 boards per minute.
The mill manufactures enough lumber each day to frame more than two dozen average Canadian homes. Sexton sees expansion as essential, emphasizing that growth is key to long-term survival in the industry.
A Generational Industry
Back in Hampden, Burton’s Cove Logging and Lumber reflects the deep-rooted nature of the forest sector. Founded by Fred Osmond, who began clearing the land as a young boy, the business is now managed by his son Kyle.
For families like the Osmonds, the industry is more than a livelihood—it is a legacy. Despite differing views across the sector, both operations highlight the resilience and evolving nature of Newfoundland and Labrador’s forest industry.