Photo: Rob Gibson
Officials with Tolko have confirmed its Kelowna mill operation will shut down permanently Jan. 8.
In a news release, officials say the decision was made after carefully examining contributing factors such as log costs, market conditions and cumulative policy burden.
“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 have been informed of the decision and will soon be provided with information on what to expect in terms of severance and benefits.
Some employees may be offered positions at other Tolko sites that have vacancies.
“We want to thank everyone at Kelowna for their many years of dedication and support and assure them this decision was not easy for us to make and has nothing to do with the quality of work or the caliber of people at the mill,” vice-president of solid wood Troy Connolly said.
“The industry is facing many challenges that are beyond our control, and tough decisions are necessary to ensure our future sustainability.”
He added the decision to close the mill is not a reflection of the hard work put forth by the employees, but rather the cost of B.C. logs.
“The mill is no longer cost-competitive,” he said.
The mill has had numerous owners since it was constructed in 1932. Tolko purchased the mill from Riverside Forest Products in 2004.
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