MONTREAL, QUEBEC -- (Marketwire) -- 11/09/09 -- Stella-Jones Inc. (TSX: SJ) today advised that its New Westminster, British Columbia, facility was the scene of a fire on Friday, November 6 which has resulted in a temporary shutdown of two wood treating cylinders. The plant produces utility poles, pilings and timbers for the electrical utility and railway market sectors. There were no injuries.

The fire was contained to the rear of a process building, away from any preservatives. Initially four treating cylinders were affected, but by late Friday, power had been restored and by noon Saturday, two of the cylinders were back in operation. The facility is expected to be fully operational within ten days. In the interim, certain orders have been shifted to the Company's other regional facilities. There will be no adverse affect on deliveries to any of the Company's customers.

Company President and CEO, Brian McManus, arrived at the plant Saturday to personally inspect the damage and to meet with local employees. "I am very pleased with the manner in which this matter has been handled. Our team has been extremely proactive and the situation is well under control."

ABOUT STELLA-JONES

Stella-Jones Inc. (TSX: SJ) is a leading North American producer and marketer of industrial pressure treated wood products, specializing in the production of railway ties and timbers as well as wood poles supplied to electrical utilities and telecommunications companies. The Company also provides treated consumer lumber products and customized services to lumber retailers and wholesalers for outdoor applications. Other products include marine and foundation pilings, construction timbers, highway guardrail posts and treated wood for bridges. The Company's common shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange.

Except for historical information provided herein, this press release may contain information and statements of a forward-looking nature concerning the future performance of the Company. These statements are based on suppositions and uncertainties as well as on management's best possible evaluation of future events. Such factors may include, without excluding other considerations, fluctuations in quarterly results, evolution in customer demand for the Company's products and services, the impact of price pressures exerted by competitors, and general market trends or economic changes. As a result, readers are advised that actual results may differ from expected results.

HEAD OFFICE

3100 de la Cote-Vertu Blvd.
Suite 300
Saint-Laurent, Quebec
H4R 2J8
Tel.:  (514) 934-8666
Fax:   (514) 934-5327


EXCHANGE LISTINGS

The Toronto Stock Exchange
Stock Symbol:  SJ

TRANSFER AGENT
AND REGISTRAR

Computershare Investor Services Inc.


INVESTOR RELATIONS

George Labelle
Senior Vice-President and
Chief Financial Officer
Tel.:  (514) 934-8665
Fax:   (514) 934-5327
glabelle@stella-jones.com