Metsäliitto continues to take action for improving the profitability of sawmilling

16/02/2009
In this extremely difficult operating environment, Metsäliitto continues to
take measures to improve the profitability of its sawmill operations showing a
heavy loss, and is planning a permanent or fixed-term closure of the Karihaara
sawmill, which has shown a loss for an extended period. 

“The operating environment in the sawmill industry has become increasingly
difficult as result of the continuous demand decrease,” says Timo Pekkola,
Senior Vice President, Solid Wood Business Line. “By reorganising our
production structure, we will continue to take measures in order to improve the
profitability of sawmilling.” 

The statutory labour negotiations concerning the plan will be launched on 23
February 2009 and they apply to the entire sawmill personnel, 50 employees in
total. 

The Karihaara pine sawmill is located in Kemi, Finland. The annual volume of
sawn timber produced at the mill is over 100,000 cubic metres. Approximately 70
per cent of the production is exported, about 20 per cent is supplied to
further upgrading and 10 per cent to the Finnish market. 

Further information:
Timo Pekkola, Senior Vice President, Solid Wood Business Line, tel. +358 10 469
4743 
Päivi Kauhanen, Metsäliitto Corporate communications, tel. +358 50 598 9560