Saffle, Sweden, 13 October 2011 -- Nordic Paper has given redundancy notice to around 20 employees at Saffle. The measure is part of a streamlining of operations. This follows 30 people being given notice at Åmotfor mill.

Increased efficiency at the Säffle mill will be achieved through a review of the paper grades being manufactured, initiation of a modified shift pattern from six shifts to five shifts, and organizational changes. The result is that more than 20 employees have received their notice.

“This is another step in the process to make Nordic Paper more profitable and stronger for the future,” said Jan Runo, president and CEO of Nordic Paper. “Through this effort, we lay the foundation for a continued strong position on world markets” he added.

Nordic Paper recently launched an increased efficiency plan at Åmotfors to overcome increased costs. Modified shift patterns and adapted production led to 30 employees being give notice. Åmotfors currently has around 120 employees. Nordic Paper's mill in Saffle has approximately 220 employees and produces 30,000 metric tons of greaseproof paper per year.

“We work in a very specific niche,” said Jonas Mörnsjö, production director. “The use of paper in baking and cooking is generally increasing, but we must always choose the applications and markets where our paper is unique and adapt production to this product mix."

The mill at Saffle has had major cost increases in recent years. It is mainly energy and pulp that has become more expensive. By increasing efficiency and keeping focus on production the company aims to improve profitability.