Shut down date set for Tolko Kelowna

Tolko Industries has set Jan. 8, 2020 as the final day for its Kelowna division.

The president and CEO of the Vernon-based company, Brad Thorlakson, says it is a difficult decision that comes down to mill no longer being cost-competitive.

“At this time, our thoughts are with impacted employees in Kelowna. The Kelowna mill has been in operation since the 1930’s and has contributed to the community through job creation and many other economic spinoffs for more than 80 years. The mill has always had an excellent team that produced a highly regarded quality stud for North American and export markets. It will always stand as an example of what can be accomplished when ingenuity and know-how come together for a common purpose,” said Thorlakson.

The company doesn’t release the figure in a news release, but it’s believed about 127 employees are affected.

The Kelowna Division was acquired by Tolko in 2004 as part of the purchase of Riverside Forest Products.

Thorlakson says employees will find out soon what they can expect in terms of severance packages and benefits, and wherever possible, employees will be offered positions at other Tolko locations that currently have vacancies.

“Our HR team is on-site, providing information and support for accessing career transition services,” said Vice President Solid Wood, Troy Connolly. “And they will be available to help people as we move through this process.

“We want to thank everyone at Kelowna for their many years of dedication and support and assure them this decision was not easy for us to make and has nothing to do with the quality of work or the caliber of people at the mill. The industry is facing many challenges that are beyond our control, and tough decisions are necessary to ensure our future sustainability,” Connolly added.