Image Credit: CFJC Today

By Ashley Legassic

B.C. Forestry

Tolko taking downtime in Heffley, Armstrong, Lumby; more than 700 employees affected

Aug 15, 2019 | 12:18 PM

KAMLOOPS — Citing weak markets and the high cost of logs, Tolko Industries says it’s taking downtime for three of its operations.

Armstrong lumber, Armstrong plywood, and White Valley veneer operations will take downtime from Aug. 17 to Sept. 2.

Heffley Creek plywood and veneer will also take downtime from Aug. 24 to Sept. 2.

“The high cost of logs and weak markets are impacting our operating footprint in British Columbia,” says Vice President of Solid Wood, Troy Connolly in a news release. “Although we prefer to keep these locations in constant operation, we must manage the business responsibly and ensure we are sustainable for the future.”

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Connolly says employees were told the decision earlier today (Aug. 15), and managers are available to assist them with any questions they have.

“This downtime will affect over 700 of our employees in these operations. We do not make these decisions without a lot of consideration,” says Connolly. “We have great people working at these locations, and this is in no way a reflection on them or their commitment. However, we continue to experience challenging industry conditions in British Columbia.”

Tolko vice president of marketing and sales, Pino Pucci, says the sales and marketing team will support their customers and try to minimize any impacts.

“Our customers are understanding of current market conditions and aware of our ongoing commitment to serve them,” Pucci says in the release.