Canfor to Conduct Job Fair for New State-of-the-Art Sawmill in DeRidder

DeRIDDER, La. – Canfor Southern Pine is partnering with LED FastStart to host an in-person job fair that connects qualified candidates to opportunities at its new state-of-the-art sawmill in Beauregard Parish. Canfor is a global leader in the manufacturing of sustainable forest products including lumber, pulp, paper, wood pellets and green energy. The new sawmill will employ more than 130 people and will be fitted with the industry’s latest and most technologies advanced lumber handling equipment.

The job fair will take place Tuesday, Nov. 15, from 4 to 7 p.m. and Wednesday, Nov. 16, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Beauregard Parish Fair Exhibition Center, 506 West Drive in DeRidder. Job seekers can register in advance here, or in person at the event. Attendees are asked to bring three copies of their résumé.

Some roles require certifications and sawmill experience, while others are entry-level production positions that include on-the-job training. Company representatives will conduct initial screenings and interviews with both early and mid-career candidates interested in positions such as:

• Machine operator
• Millwright
• Electrician
• Mobile mechanic
• Saw filer
• Forklift operator
• Truck driver
• Supervisor
• General labor and more

“The operation of modern sawmills has changed a lot, with robotic solutions making the journey from log to lumber a pretty cool and surprisingly high-tech process,” says Hans Pedersen, plant manager of the new DeRidder mill. “We’re excited to be at the stage in our build where we’re ready to welcome more people into our team as we prepare for commissioning and start-up activities.”

Canfor’s employee benefits include competitive wages and performance bonuses; training and development opportunities; medical, prescription, dental and vision insurance; 401(k) retirement plan and company match; paid time off and paid holidays; health and wellness programs; short and long-term disability plans; 12 weeks maternity leave for eligible employees; and career advancement with a promote-from-within culture.

“We’re really focused on hiring locally and finding the best people for the wide range of opportunities we have available,” said Canfor Southern Pine Human Resources Manager Lola Williamson. “New career postings are happening daily, and this job fair will give candidates an opportunity to learn more about Canfor and start their career with us.”

LED FastStart hosts numerous virtual and in-person career fairs each year covering a range of industries, from digital/tech to manufacturing. To receive email notifications about future interview events, opt in here.

About LED FastStart
LED FastStart works with new and expanding companies in target industries to tailor comprehensive recruitment, training and workforce solutions. LED FastStart’s custom solutions ensure that employees are fully prepared from day one of a project launch. LED FastStart is the only U.S. program to be ranked No. 1 since Business Facilities introduced the Workforce Training Leaders category in 2010. For more information, visit OpportunityLouisiana.com/FastStart.

About LED
Louisiana Economic Development is responsible for strengthening the state’s business environment and creating a more vibrant Louisiana economy. In 2021, LED attracted 64 new economic development projects representing over 18,100 new direct and indirect jobs, 9,700 retained jobs and more than $20.5 billion in new capital investment. Learn more at LEDAnnualReport.com. Explore how LED cultivates jobs and economic opportunity for the people of Louisiana, and promotes business opportunity for employers of all sizes at OpportunityLouisiana.com.