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Tolko Industries has announced that so-called downtime at its Soda Creek and Armstrong lumber divisions will continue through the month of February.
In late December the Vernon-based forestry company said closures at both mills would be extended through January.
“We do not make these decisions lightly,” says Troy Connolly, vice president of solid wood.
“We have an extremely committed workforce at these operations whose families and communities rely on Tolko. We will continue to support our employees during this challenging time.”
Connolly added that high log costs and weak lumber markets continue to impact operations at the two lumber mills.
The closures impact more than 350 employees and reduce production by about 35 million board feet of stud lumber.
“While we strive to ensure consistency and stability for all of our operations, the upward cost pressures in the province combined with the notable decline in lumber demand make the decision necessary,” states Connolly.
Some work is expected to resume at the White Valley and Armstrong plywood mill which was temporarily closed on Dec. 28 due to a fire that caused an ongoing power outage.
Tolko says temporary repairs to the substation have now been completed and crews are working to restart as soon as possible.
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