Tolko Announces Permanent Closure of Kelowna Lumber Mil

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Tolko announced its decision to permanently close the Kelowna lumber mill operations effective January 8, 2020. The decision has already been conveyed to the employees.

The company cited high log costs, weak market conditions and policy burden as the main contributing factor that ultimately led to the closure of the mill. It must be noted that Tolko had announced indefinite curtailment of operations at Kelowna mill in mid-September this year.

According to the company press release, the employees will be provided detailed information with regards to severance packages, benefits, etc. It will try to accommodate as many employees as possible at Tolko’s other locations, wherever vacancies exist. The on-site HR team will provide all possible assistance in career transition services.

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Announcing the decision, Brad Thorlakson, President and CEO, Tolko said that the decision was a difficult one to take. He thanked the excellent team at Kelowna for their many years of dedication and support. Meantime, Kelowna Mayor Colin Basran noted that the permanent closure of the Kelowna mill will have a negative impact on economy.