Tolko has decided to indefinitely close its High Level mill in Alberta due to the poor lumber market.

290 employees will be out of work. Another 300 woodlands contractors and their employees will also be affected.

The sawmill will work through the current log inventory. It is expected this will take until December 18th. The planer will continue to operate until the middle of January.

“While significant operational improvements have been made in a number of areas and the efforts of our employees and contractors are recognized, the reality is that we continue to be in the worst market conditions our industry has ever seen.”

“The current cost structure at High Level simply makes the continued operation of that mill not viable,” says Harkies. He went on to say, “a restart of the High Level operation is dependent on there being a sustained improvement in the economic conditions.”

~Mike Harkies, Vice President & General Manager, Solid Wood & Kraft Paper

Source:
Tolko To Close High Level Mill (Opinion 250 News)