A weak softwood market, along with the impact of U.S.-imposed tariffs and nti-dumping duties are being blamed for the closure of a mill near Kirkland Lake. Tembec Inc. recently announced the indefinite shut down of ts mill in Kenogami, just west of Kirkland Lake. Earlier this year 38 mployees had been laid off from the mill. The recent announcement will esult in the further laying off of 23 employees. About 19 employees will be retained to operate the drying and planing mills. An official with the ompany says the mill lost $2.2 million in 2000 and 2001. A committee is being formed to explore the possibility of manufacturing value added wood products in order to ensure the mill's survival. Tembec announced earlier this fall the loss of 64 jobs at the company's softwood lumber mill in Mattawa.
