Tolko announced more news highlighting the stark decline of BC’s lumber industry on Thursday.
The company will reduce stud lumber operations at mills in Soda Creek, north of Williams Lake and in Armstrong.
Both mills will move into a four-day workweek as a result of the decision.
Tolko cited high provincial log costs and weak market conditions as the reason behind the reduction in production.
“The continued and increasing pressures on log delivery costs in B.C. have eroded our competitiveness,” said Vice President Troy Connolly.
“This, in addition to continued weak markets, means we must take immediate and responsible action to ensure our long-term stability in B.C. We are moving to a flexible operating footprint starting next week.”
Connolly acknowledged the announcement is not “good news” however, he stressed the decision is “the best possible option right now in current conditions.”
Employees at both mills were informed of the decision on Thursday morning, where an HR team was also on-site helping workers determine their next steps.
The provincial government announced $69-million in aid for forestry workers affected by the hundreds of layoffs at BC Interior mills.
At least 22 Interior mills have either closed or curtailed operations in 2019.
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