Armstrong Tolko facilities among those taking “downtime” in new year

Dec 29, 2022 | 11:20 AM

Two Tolko facilities, including one in the North Okanagan, are temporarily halting operations to start 2023.

Tolko Industries’ Armstrong and Soda Creek (Williams Lake) Lumber operations will take the month of January off.

“A lack of available economic fibre and weak markets are impacting our operating footprint in the province,” said Troy Connolly, Vice President of Solid Wood, in a release.

“While our goal is to ensure consistency and stability for all of our operations, the steep decline in lumber demand and upward cost pressures in the province make the decision necessary.”

Tolko stated the temporary curtailments will reduce production by an estimated 35 million board feet of stud lumber.

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“This downtime will affect over 350 of our employees in these operations. We do not make these decisions without a lot of consideration,” said Connolly.

“We have an extremely committed workforce at these locations whose families and communities rely on Tolko. We will continue to support our employees during this challenging time.”

In an email to Vernon Matters, Tolko stated the Armstrong Plywood operation will also have some unexpected downtime, as a fire at B.C. Hydro’s substation on the property early Wednesday, Dec. 28, knocked out power to the plywood and lumber mills. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and it remains unknown the long-term impact this fire will have on the facility.

Tolko added that rumours of laying off workers are not factual.

The downtime will be evaluated at the end of the month to determine the next steps.

by Liam Verster

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