West Fraser $50,000 donation to support scholarships and upgrade industrial technology management and applied engineering equipment

On Monday, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) announced that it was the recipient of a $50,000 donation from West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd (West Fraser) to provide scholarships for students pursuing degrees in industrial technology management and applied engineering and to upgrade departmental equipment.

“On behalf of our university, I extend my heartfelt thanks to West Fraser for their generosity,” said Chancellor Laurence B. Alexander. “Engineering careers are among the most in-demand, and UAPB is grateful to have a partner who recognizes the importance of ensuring our students are equipped to compete globally for jobs in the fields of engineering.”

According to Chester Fort, vice president of US Lumber Operations, the UAPB and West Fraser have developed a partnership that continues to be mutually beneficial. West Fraser has hired four UAPB graduates and two students are currently in the company’s internship program.

“It has been a pleasure for me to work with UAPB and the students,” said Fort. “The relationship has been very positive for us and the students. Watching them engage, learn and grow has been one of the highlights of my job. The excitement we felt when our employees, UAPB graduates, helped present this donation was a very powerful moment. We look forward to a great relationship for a long time.

West Fraser is a diversified wood products company with more than 60 facilities in Canada, the United States, United Kingdom and Europe and five in Arkansas. The Company produces lumber, engineered wood and other products, including pulp, newsprint, wood chips and renewable energy. West Fraser products are used in construction, home repair and remodeling, industrial applications, papers, tissues and boxes.