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NEWS RELEASE
For immediate release: September
15, 2003
No decision yet on capacity replacement
Vernon, BC – Company personnel continue to analyze
opportunities to replace the capacity that was lost by the recent
destruction of the Louis Creek, BC sawmill operation. The Louis
Creek operation was destroyed by the Barriere-McLure forest fire
on August 1, 2003.
Mike Harkies, General Manager for Tolko’s BC
operations, says the decision to replace the capacity has been complicated
by current industry and economic conditions. “The Canada-US
softwood lumber dispute, a strengthening Canadian dollar, and the
need to achieve global competitiveness are only some of the external
factors that must be taken into consideration as we examine our
options. It could be some weeks before a thorough analysis will
be completed.”
Mike went on to say the the Company understands
the hardship its employees are facing and that every effort is being
made to expedite the decision. “In the meantime, we are endeavouring
to get our logging contractors back to work. Unfortunately, due
to the dry conditions in the bush, all logging activities have been
disrupted. With this latest break in the weather we are hopeful
that full-scale logging can start again soon. We are also actively
pursuing discussions with local IWA representatives regarding additional
work opportunities for the Louis Creek employees who have not yet
found alternate employment.”
For more information:
Sheila Catlin
Senior Corporate Communications Coordinator
Phone: 250-545-4411
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