Coe Newnes McGehee interim Salmon Arm CEO David Bowra has told local media that the 105 employees laid off this week are part of the restructuring plan to keep the operation going. He says the future now really depends on finding a buyer.

The company has until May 28th to present its plan. Employees didn't get any severance or vacation pay according to one of those who lost his job and Bowra says that's frozen as a result of the creditors court action underway.

The layoff total is almost one-third of the Salmon Arm workforce of around 330. He says the forestry industry crisis resulted in a drop in sales and that was the main factor leading to the downsizing.

Bob Crouse Astral Media Radio News, Salmon Arm