Merritt workers are the latest casualties of a slowdown in forest industry production, as Aspen Planers Ltd. announced Thursday its sawmill will reduce operations from two shifts per day to one.
“Due to the ongoing lack of access to logs, increased log costs and weakening lumber markets, Aspen Planers will curtail production and reduce operations to one shift per day starting Monday, June 3,” says Bruce Rose, Aspen Planers’ executive vice-president.
“The decision to curtail production does not reflect the commitment or hard work demonstrated by our employees,” says Rose. “Our decision to reduce production is a result of the challenging industry conditions in B.C.”
The announcement comes on the heels of Tolko closing its mill in Quesnel this month. Business In Vancouver reports it is estimated that six to eight sawmills in B.C. will need to permanently shut down due to a shrinking annual allowable cut.
Aspen Planers employs 1,100 employees throughout B.C., with operations in the Southern Interior, Surrey, Port Moody and on Vancouver Island.
“As the major employer in this area, we have a responsibility to our employees, our community, and the hundreds more that depend upon Aspen Planers for their economic livelihood here in Merritt and other areas including Savona and Lillooet,” says Rose.
Aspen Planers is the last sawmilling company in Merritt.
