Hesinki, Finland, 15 May 2009 -- Metso is selling the entire stock of Metso Paper Turku Works Oy to Stairon Oy. Metso Paper Turku Works Oy manufactures air systems for the pulp and paper industry. The sale is part of Metso’s current program of measures to develop its production structure, the aim of which is to secure the competitiveness of the company's business by streamlining the operational and cost structure of its Finnish operations. The sale will have no significant effect on Metso’s financial performance. The air system technology and the related business will remain in Metso’s ownership.

Metso Paper Turku Works Oy employs 91 persons.

Metso Paper Turku Works Oy will be transferred to the ownership of Stairon Oy on 15 May 2009. The principal shareholder and managing director of Stairon Oy is Tapio Hussi, currently production manager at Metso Paper Turku Works Oy. In conjunction with the sale, Metso and Stairon have agreed on a long-term supply contract for the manufacture of certain key products. The name of the unit will change to Stairon Works Oy immediately.

Metso Paper Turku Works Oy is located in the Pansio district of Turku. It manufactures runnability components, air dryers, heat exchangers, sound dampers, and fans and blowers for the pulp and paper industry.

Metso (www.metso.com) is a global supplier of sustainable technology and services for the mining, construction, power generation, automation, recycling, and pulp and paper industries. The company has approximately 28,000 employees in more than 50 countries.