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NEWS RELEASE
For immediate release: August
5, 2003
Tolko confirms loss of Louis Creek
sawmill operation
Vernon, BC – Tolko Industries announced today
that its Louis Creek sawmill operation was completely destroyed
by a forest fire that began near McClure, BC. All employees were
evacuated safely.
Mike Harkies, Tolko’s General Manager British
Columbia operations, says the site remains under evacuation order.
“Because of this evacuation order we aren’t able to
do any assessment work at this time. We won’t be able to address
any future plans for the Louis Creek facility until we can access
the site with our insurers and our senior management team. Our best
estimate is that it will be four to six weeks before we’re
able to make any decisions about what our next steps will be.”
Mike went on to say that plans are underway to meet
with employees to provide them with a current update and temporary
contact information for the Louis Creek management team.
The Louis Creek mill included a sawmill, a planer
and woodlands operations. The plant provided direct employment for
approximately 200 people and indirect employment for 150 individuals
employed by outside contractors. Mill production was 140,000 million
board feet annually.
Mike concluded, “We are grateful that
none of our employees experienced any significant injuries or loss
of life. We want to express our appreciation for the efforts of
the firefighters and provincial authorities who worked diligently
to protect the mill.”
For more information:
Sheila Catlin
Senior Communications Coordinator
Phone: (250) 549-5326
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