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PRESS RELEASE
For immediate release: March 16, 2007
Tolko announces indefinite closure at Slave Lake OSB mill
Slave Lake, Alberta - Tolko Industries Ltd. announced today that the closure initiated on February 8 at Slave Lake OSB Division is being extended indefinitely. The plant will remain closed until either market conditions for current products improve or value added products are developed.
"We regret the impact this has on our employees and their families," said Tolko Vice President, OSB and Energy, Rick Huff. "Employees have demonstrated great commitment and effort through the challenging conditions faced in recent months."
The indefinite closure affects 118 employees. Support from Human Resources and Social Development Canada and the company's Employee and Family Assistance Program is being offered to the affected workers.
Despite impressive gains in productivity and reductions in cost, the Slave Lake OSB Division is not competitive in its current form, said Huff. "The relatively small scale of this operation limits its viability in the commodity flooring sector," he explained.
Poor market conditions, low prices, and product over-supply are compounding the situation and are expected to continue for the rest of 2007.
Tolko will follow the terms of the contract and will begin discussions with United Steelworkers shortly.
Tolko Industries Ltd. (Tolko) is a family-owned forest products company based in Vernon, British Columbia that manufactures and markets specialty forest products to world markets. Tolko is a major producer and marketer of lumber, plywood, oriented strand board, and kraft papers, with approximately 4,5000 employees. The Company's Woodlands operations have received third-party certification of their sustainable forest management systems.
For further information, please contact:
Richard Huff
Vice President, OSB & Energy
Tolko Industries Ltd.
Tel: 780.425 6864 |
Sheri Greeno, Communications Advisor
Tolko Industries Ltd.
Tel: 250.549.5341
E-mail
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