Idaho Timber: Whitefish Plant Closes

Idaho Timber of Montana says it will close its plant in Whitefish, with the loss of 26 jobs

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Idaho Timber: Whitefish Plant Closes

By Associated Press
July 3, 2009

WHITEFISH - Idaho Timber of Montana says it will close its plant in Whitefish, with the loss of 26 jobs.

Sixteen workers lost their jobs last week. The company says the 10 remaining workers will be let go within the next three months.

Blindsided, said Joel Hewitt, shortly after he heard the news. Hewitt is one of the 10 employees to keep his job for the next few months until the yard is cleared of lumber.

Through the years, Idaho Timber of Montana has faced many financial challenges and in each case, our people have risen to meet these challenges, the company said in a news release. Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of our people, it has become necessary to close the Whitefish facility.

Idaho Timber has operated in Whitefish since 1979.

The facility sorted, trimmed, and cut No. 2 grade boards of 1-inch thickness, usually from pine, cedar and spruce. The company supplied stores such as Lowe's and Home Depot.

Annual capacity was

40 million board feet.

Hewitt said it's his understanding that all buildings on site will be razed except the main facility, which will be gutted. He speculates the Whitefish plant was chosen because of its property value.

Idaho Timber would not comment further.

The company said employees will receive one week severance pay plus any vacation they had left.

Additional Information

Web Site: http://missoulian.com/articles/2009/07/03/news/mtregional/news08.txt

Category: Forestry>Mill News

Region: Montana

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