Tolko Industries announced Sept. 29 it will permanently close its Merritt mill, effective Dec. 16, putting 203 people out of work.

害羞草研究所淢aking the decision to close an operation is never easy,害羞草研究所� Tolko president and CEO Brad Thorlakson said in a release.

Thorlakson said a reduction in the annual allowable cut as a result of the completion of the pine beetle harvest led to a review of wood supply for all of Tolko Southern Interior operations.

害羞草研究所淏ased on this review, we have determined there is not enough timber to supply all of our mills,害羞草研究所� Thorlakson said. 害羞草研究所淭his has resulted in the decision to permanently close our Nicola operation.害羞草研究所�

The closure of the mill will result in the removal of 250-million board feet of capacity from the lumber market.

Mike Harkies, executive vice-president of Tolko害羞草研究所檚 solid wood division, said employees have been informed of the decision.

害羞草研究所淭oday [Thursday] we have issued notice to employees and we are working through the details of a transition package,害羞草研究所� he said. 害羞草研究所淲e anticipate full details to be available to employees the week of Oct. 10.害羞草研究所�

Tolko purchased the Nicola Valley operation in 1987.