Following a thorough examination of all contributing factors including log costs, market conditions, and cumulative policy burden, Tolko will permanently close its Kelowna division on January 8, 2020, as the company says in the press release received by Lesprom Network.
“At this time, our thoughts are with impacted employees in Kelowna,” says President and CEO Brad Thorlakson. “This is a difficult decision. The Kelowna mill has been in operation since the 1930s and has contributed to the community through job creation and many other economic spinoffs for more than 80 years. The mill has always had an excellent team that produced a highly regarded quality stud for North American and export markets. It will always stand as an example of what can be accomplished when ingenuity and know-how come together for a common purpose.”
Thorlakson says employees were informed about the decision earlier today and they will soon be provided with detailed information on what they can expect next in terms of severance packages, benefits, etc. Wherever possible, employees will be offered positions at other Tolko locations that currently have vacancies.
Tolko is a leading manufacturer of a wide range of forest products for customers around the world, including lumber, plywood, veneer, oriented strand board, co-products, biomass power, and a growing number of specialty wood products.
