After careful consideration, global renewable energy company Drax has made the difficult decision to cease operations at its pellet plant in Williams Lake, B.C. The curtailment and closures of neighbouring sawmills and the loss of a bid for key local supply have led to a significant reduction in fibre availability, thus making continuing operations at the plant no longer commercially viable. As a result, we expect to cease operations after an orderly wind-down when fibre availability runs out at the site, which we anticipate will take place by the end of 2025.
Drax leadership recognizes the impact that this decision will have on our dedicated workforce; therefore, they are implementing a comprehensive support plan for the 30 employees affected. This includes a severance package, as well as wellbeing support. Colleagues are encouraged to apply to open positions at other Drax sites.
“The decision to cease operations weighs heavily on us, as we recognize the uncertainty it creates for our dedicated employees and their families,” says Matt White, Executive Vice President of Pellet Operations for Drax. “We are profoundly grateful for their commitment and resilience, and for the unwavering support of our community. Together, we will navigate this challenging time with compassion and transparency.”
“We are deeply grateful to our employees for their hard work and commitment over the years,” says White. “We are committed to supporting them through this transition and helping them find new opportunities.”
About Drax
Drax Group’s mission is to help meet the world’s increasing demand for secure energy, sustainably, and to reach net zero by the end of 2040 across our value chain. By supporting biodiversity across our sites and in our value chain by the end of 2030 and seeking to make a positive contribution to the lives and livelihoods of our colleagues, communities, and workers in our supply chain, Drax is committed to being climate, nature, and people positive in our operations.
Drax’s around 3,000 employees operate across three principal areas of activity – electricity generation, electricity sales to business customers and compressed wood pellet production and supply to third parties. For more information visit www.drax.com/ca
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