| By Bob Weaver
Twenty-seven of 43 employees at Stella-Jones, formerly Burke-Parsons-Bowlby at Billings in Roane County, reportedly received permanent pink slips today.
Workers received the news from Douglas J. Fox,
Senior Vice President and Director of US Operations, after being told Wednesday to come to work Thursday and not clock-in, a plant worker told the Herald.
Many of the workers at the Billings operation had been on the job for several years, some from Calhoun County.
The lay-offs are linked to the nationwide collapse of the economy, which has hit the timber industry hard.
Workers have reportedly been offered a severance package.
Reports indicate a Stanton Kentucky operation is being completely closed.
Stella-Jones purchased long-time Roane industry Burke-Parsons-Bowlby in 2008.
Second quarter earnings show Stella-Jones had a sales growth of 4.9% to $129.1 million, with net earnings of $11.0 million compared with $10.0 million last year, up 9.7%.
Stella-Jones Inc. web site says the company is a leading North American producer and marketer of industrial pressure treated wood products, specializing in the production of railway ties and timbers, as well as wood poles supplied to electrical utilities and telecommunications companies.
The Company also provides treated consumer lumber products and customized services to lumber retailers and wholesalers for outdoor applications.
Other products include marine and foundation pilings, construction timbers, highway guardrail posts and treated wood for bridges. The Company's common shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
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