The forestry industry drove the rise of economic activity in Edmundston. In 1911, the Fraser company bought the existing James Murchie & Sons sawmill, and in 1917 it built a pulp mill. Edmundston was chosen because it already had rail infrastructure served by three companies: the Temiscouata, the Canadian National, and the Canadian Pacific. The town was also situated near two rivers, the Saint John River and the Madawaska River, which allowed timber to be transported by log driving.
Taking advantage of its proximity to the American border, a papermaking mill was built in 1925 in the neighbouring American town of Madawaska, Maine, giving easier access to the U.S. market.
This family business owned and operated several sawmills and pulp and paper mills across northern New Brunswick, Maine, and the Lower St. Lawrence region, stretching from Cabano to Plaster Rock and from Madawaska, Maine, to Newcastle, passing through Kedgwick and Atholville. In the 1960s, following financial difficulties, the company was forced to give up several of its facilities. As a result, in the 1970s the Fraser company was absorbed by Noranda, becoming one of its subsidiaries — bringing an end to the Fraser company as it had been known.
In the 20th century, Fraser Companies Limited was one of the region's main economic engines. Its history is closely tied to that of the town of Edmundston. Even today, its influence on the region and its geographic position remain significant.
Photo taken around 1978.