Tolko Industries will close its Manitoba operations on December 2, 2016.
“This is not a decision we have entered into lightly,” said President and CEO, Brad Thorlakson. “Over the 19 years we have been in the community, a great deal of work has been done, both internally and externally, to improve the mill’s competitive position. Unfortunately, despite years of continued effort to improve the cost structure and business results of the operations, the business is not financially sustainable. This is a business decision that is in the best long-term interest of the company and our employees.”
Thorlakson notes that the decision is in no way a reflection of the people, community or local and provincial governments who have played such an important role in the operation over the years.
Jim Baskerville, Vice President of OSB and Kraft Papers added that employees have been informed of the decision.
Tolko purchased the Manitoba Kraft Paper and Sawmill Operations in 1997. The combined operation employs 332 people.
