[VERNON, BC] May 22, 2011 – Tolko Industries Ltd. extends offer of support in wake of the forest fires in Slave Lake, Alberta, and surrounding area.
“Our thoughts and sympathies go out to the people of Slave Lake and other communities affected by the fires,” said Jim Baskerville, Vice President, Strand Business and Engineered Wood. “We have extended the offer to assist community, regional, and provincial authorities with the current situation.”
Tolko has two oriented strand board operations in the Slave Lake area that have been curtailed for extended periods due to market conditions. The small crew that maintain the plants and woodlands area were evacuated as part of the crisis. Some have already returned to support local fire fighting and relief efforts. Regrettably it has been reported that three of Tolko’s employees and families have lost their homes. Tolko will be working with authorities and these employees to help address their individual needs.
“We commend all the volunteers, emergency response personnel, and government leaders who have responded to this great challenge,” said Baskerville.
Tolko Industries Ltd. is a private, Canadian-owned forest products company based in Vernon, British Columbia with over 3,500 employees. Tolko is a major producer and marketer of lumber, veneer, plywood, oriented strand board, and kraft papers, with manufacturing operations across Western Canada. The Company’s Woodlands operations have received third-party certification of their sustainable forest management systems.
Contact
Sheri Greeno Tolko Industries Ltd. Communications Advisor
250.549.5341 sheri.greeno@tolko.com
