File Photo (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Dave Barry

B.C. Forestry

Merritt mill lays off 50

May 30, 2019 | 2:03 PM

MERRITT, B.C. — Aspen Planers is cutting people and production at its Merritt sawmill. As of Monday, the family-run mill will reduce its workforce to one shift. Layoff notices were given to 50 workers in Merritt today. It’s thought another 150 people will be indirectly affected by the move.

Aspen Planers blames a lack of access to logs, the growing costs of logs and weakening lumber markets for the move.

Brian Menzies, the Director of Communications for Aspen Planers, says the company didn’t take the step lightly. “This is a very difficult decision for the company. It’s always difficult to let go people.”

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Aspen Planers’ executive vice president, Bruce Rose says the company recognizes it has a responsiblity to the people and the communities that rely on it for their economic livlihood. “We’re a family-owned business that has operated for more than 70 years, and we will continue to seek economic opportunities that are sustainable for our company and the communities that depend upon our commerce.”

Until today’s layoffs, the mill had tried to deal with the economic challenges through curtailments. “We’d take the occasional week off,” said Menzies. “For example at Christmas time and in February, we took a week down.”

However he says the layoffs were required for the long-term economic sustainability of the Merritt operation, which includes manufacturing in Savona and Lillooet. Aspen Planers says it continues to employ 1,100 employees throughout BC, with operations in the Southern Interior, Surrey, Port Moody and on Vancouver Island.