It won’t be a Merry Christmas for a Vernon-based lumber giant.
Following a thorough examination of all contributing factors including log costs, market conditions, and cumulative policy burden, Tolko announced on Nov. 14, that its B.C. operations will be taking two weeks’ downtime from Dec. 21 to Jan. 6 during the holiday season.
The last day of production will be Dec. 20, 2019.
In addition, Tolko’s Vernon head office will be closed the week of Dec. 23 to 27. Staffing levels at all B.C. operations will be restricted to essential services during this period.
READ MORE: Tolko mill in Kelowna to permanently close in 2020
This downtime is a result of low prices and high log costs in B.C.
“This downtime will reduce output by approximately 21 million board feet of lumber production and 10 million square feet of panel production,” Tolko vice-president of solid wood Troy Connolly said.
Pino Pucci, vice-president, Tolko marketing and sales, assured customers that Tolko’s marketing and sales team “will continue to support our customers and do our best to minimize any impacts. Our customers are understanding of current market conditions and aware of our ongoing commitment to serve them.”
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