S.P.I. Speaks Out On Mill Closures

Redding, CA — Reached on his way to Sacramento this morning Sierra Pacific Industries Spokesperson Mark Pawlicki commented on the Monday announcement that the Sonora (Standard) and Camino mills would be closing this summer.

Pawlicki commented, "The closures have been caused by unprecented low levels of lumber pricing. It’s been a continued downturn for quite some time now. That combined with other market factors including log availability, the high price of logs and reduced timber sales from the national forest all contributed to our decision. All combined these factors make a perfrect storm of problems that leave us with no choice but to close the mills."

Closure of the Sonora mill will directly affect 146 employees while 164 S.P.I. personnel will be affected by the Camino closure. The Sonora mill is expected to close in mid-July, the Camino mill on June 12. The Chinese Camp mill will remain operational.

Written by bill.johnson@mlode.com