VERNON, British Columbia – A new 50-50 joint venture partnership between Tolko Industries Ltd. and Jasper Lumber Co. paves the way for expanding the potential output of Jasper’s sawmill in Jasper, Ala., from 70 million board feet to 200 million board feet of southern pine lumber. The $45 million project includes construction of facilities and installation of new machinery. Plans also call for increased shifting at the mill and the creation of at least 60 jobs. Construction is expected to begin in early 2021.

No injuries were reported in a fire Wednesday night at Tolko Industries' sawmill in Merritt.