Prince George, B.C. - Some mixed news from Pope and Talbot , and some of it leaves workers in Mackenzie in limbo.

 

The bad news first;

 

PT Pindo Deli Pulp and Paper Mills ( a division of Sinar Mass) has “delivered written notice of termination of the asset purchase agreement.” That purchase agreement involves the Mackenzie Pulp Mill, one in Nanaimo and a third in Halsey Oregon.

 

Pope and Talbot disputes the basis for, and validity of the termination, but both sides have , according to a release from Pope and Talbot “indicated a willingness to engage in discussions regarding mutually acceptable alternative transactions.”

 

The good news is that Pope and Talbot has completed the sale of its sawmills in Grand Forks and Castlegar and their related timber assets to Interfor. Pope and Talbot has also sold its Spearfish South Dakota sawmill and timber assets to Neiman Enterprises.

 

“There is a measure of remorse in the fact that these sales signify the virtual end of a 160-year legacy in the lumber business for Pope & Talbot," said Harold Stanton, Pope & Talbot President and CEO. "We can take heart that these mills have been placed with good stewards and the employees as well as the communities that rely on these mills will continue to be supported."