Global Sticks faces uncertain future

THUNDER BAY – When Global Sticks opened their doors this past spring, it looked like a perfect fit. The company would take birch and turn it into a variety of products. Birch is not a commonly used wood in the forest sector. Money was funnelled into the company by the Ontario Government. The company promised to create up to 145 jobs in a sector of Northwestern Ontario’s economy that was in need of good economic news.

This week, reports came to NetNewsledger.com starting on Wednesday that the company was laying off staff, and that creditors were very concerned over bills not being paid. The payroll, due today was not apparently met, leaving workers wondering what will happen to their jobs, and to the company.

Global Sticks faces uncertain future. NetNewsledger attempted to contact the company president Reggie Nukovic on Thursday. None of our calls were returned.

The promise of a new plant in the forestry sector, last May had both area MPPs, Michael Gravelle and Bill Mauro along with Steve Demmings of the Community Economic Development Commission all speaking the praises of the deal.

“This grand opening marks another positive step forward for the new Thunder Bay economy. The establishment of Global Sticks Inc. paves the way for opportunities for other value-added forestry related companies to locate in our area,” said Steve Demmings, CEO of CEDC speaking last May.

“These new facilities have helped with the creation of 50 construction jobs currently at the site, will be home to approximately 130 permanent jobs for Northerners right here in the Thunder Bay area. Global Sticks represents a diversification of the wood products industry in Northwestern Ontario, and will provide tax base support to the residents of Oliver Paipoonge,” stated Bill Mauro, MPP Thunder Bay-Atikokan on May 20th 2011.

“I’m delighted that our government has helped Global Sticks find a home in Northern Ontario. The new Thunder Bay plant will manufacture products that were previously out-sourced from China, bringing those jobs and opportunities to our region,” enthused Michael Gravelle, Minister of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry and Chair of the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC).

Bill Mauro when contacted by NNL would only say he was waiting more information before commenting on the current situation at the plant. Steve Demmings didn’t return enquiries. Michael Gravelle’s office advised that NNL should contact Bill Mauro’s office as the plant is in his riding.