By Troy Gillard (Twitter: @Troy_Gillard)

Parkland Fuel closing Red Deer office

Feb 22, 2019 | 4:39 PM

Parkland Fuel Corporation is closing its Red Deer office, choosing to consolidate it with their Calgary headquarters.

The company says more than 80 per cent of the 120 full-time staff at the office have been given offers to relocate to Calgary. The remaining positions will be phased out by summer’s end.

Leroy McKinnon, Senior Specialist, Corporate Communications for Parkland Fuel Corporation says the decision was not taken lightly.

“Red Deer has always been very good to our company, and we have deep respect for this community,” he told rdnewsNOW Friday. “This decision is no reflection on the city or our team in Red Deer. Our people in the city have made significant contributions to our company’s development, and we have been proud to be part of the Red Deer community.

“But this is the right move for our company. Consolidation makes sense in light of how Parkland has evolved, and our future business plans.”

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McKinnon says employees who choose not to relocate will be offered comprehensive severance and transition supports.

“Our goal is to complete most of these transitions to Calgary by the end of this summer,” he notes.

“Parkland has strong momentum and significant growth opportunities in Alberta and beyond. We intend to continue to invest in our operations and people as we build an Alberta-based champion with a platform for international growth.”

The company’s history in Red Deer dates back to 1964 when Jack and Joan Donald started Parkland Oil Products Ltd.

They sold the company to Turbo Resources in 1971. Jack joined Turbo as Director and Vice-President Marketing until he and Joan bought control of Parkland Beef Industries Ltd. which became Parkland Industries Ltd.

With its headquarters in Red Deer, Parkland Industries became a fuel distribution company through its Fas Gas retail service stations.

By the time Jack retired as President and CEO in 2002, Parkland Industries had its own refinery and 454 retail service stations in Western and Northern Canada.