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April 17, 2023 - 3:05 PM
Vernon-based Tolko Industries is cutting production at its lumber operation in Armstrong in half which will idle dozens of workers.
Tolko has announced its Armstrong lumber operation is moving from two shifts to one shift. The move will affect about 65 employees and went into effect today, April 17.
The company is also halving its shifts at its Soda Creek operation outside Williams Lake, again affecting about 65 workers but it's expected to be a permanent move.
The shift change at Armstrong mill will be monitored and isn't slated to be a permanent move yet.
"A lack of available economic fibre in the province, high log costs, and weak markets are impacting our ability to be fully operational," Troy Connolly with Tolko said in a media release. "While our goal is to ensure consistency and stability for all of our operations, the steep decline in lumber demand and upward cost pressures in the province make the decision necessary."
Tolko said that approximately 100 million board feet of lumber will be removed from annual production at each location.
"This downtime will affect many employees in these operations. We do not make these decisions without a lot of consideration," Connolly said. "We have an extremely committed workforce at these locations whose families and communities rely on Tolko. We will continue to support our employees during this challenging time."
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