ATCO temporarily delays 60 jobs

Modular building manufacturer ATCO Structures and Logistics has temporarily delayed hiring 60 people who received job offers from the company, said Vice President of Manufacturing Bill Haliburton.

The 60 positions cannot be staffed at this time because ATCO is waiting for back-ordered materials and equipment to arrive that is needed to clear Occupational Safety and Hazard Administration requirements. Specifically, the company is waiting for a fall-arrest tie-off system to be set up to protect employees from falling while working at specific heights, Haliburton said.

The delay could last anywhere from eight to 10 weeks, or it could be shorter or longer, depending on the arrival of materials, Haliburton said.

“We don’t take it lightly, opening a new facility,” Haliburton said.

This does not mean the plant will suspend production or potentially close, however. There are already 100 employees working at the plant, and they have started production on several remote workforce dormitory units that are close to completion, Haliburton said.

When the plant is at full capacity, it will be able to produce two to three units per day, depending on orders, Haliburton said.

ATCO sent letters out to the 60 people whose jobs have been delayed, detailing this information and asking them to alert ATCO to any changes in their employment status, Haliburton said.

Haliburton said he is very happy with the location, the building, the local government and ATCO’s overall choice with operating in Pocatello. He is excited about the workforce that is available there, and is hopeful that the 60 potential employees will be able to get to work soon.

“We’re in it for the long haul,” he said.

The jobs that were suspended are general plant staffing positions, including carpenters, electricians and plumbers.