B.C. based Tolko strikes deal with U.S. company

Tolko is expanding its business by partnering with a U.S. company.

The B.C.-based forest products company, which has mills in the Okanagan, says it has partnered with Louisiana-based Hunt Forest Products.

The two companies plan on building a $115-million sawmill in Louisiana, creating more than 100 jobs.

“This is our first venture into the United States,” said Brad Thorlakson, Tolko president and CEO.”We are thrilled to be in Louisiana with Hunt Forest Products, a family-owned company like ours, and one that has played a vital, reliable role in Louisiana’s forestry industry for more than a century.”

Tolko says the U.S deal will not have an impact on its B.C. operations.

“In addition to this announcement, we continue to invest in our sawmills in B.C., Alberta and Saskatchewan,” Communications Manager Donna Pincott said.