Metsä-Botnia Negotiates Closure of Kaskinen Mill


Metsa, Finland, 03 March 2009 -- The statutory negotiations related to the closing of Oy Metsä-Botnia Ab's Kaskinen mill were concluded on 12 January 2009. On 14 January, the company announced its decision to stop the production at Kaskinen completely. The shutdown process of the mill will be started on 11 March 2009, and production is estimated to end during this week.

The emptying and cleaning of process equipment and tanks will continue until the end of March. Wood handling, water and effluent treatment, and energy production will be continued according to the needs of M-real's BCTMP mill situated next to Botnia's mill. The statutory negotiations involved 223 persons. A permanent job at Botnia's other mills and competence centers or at the mill integrate with M-real's mill has been secured for 56 persons (15 white-collar and 41 blue-collar workers). Additionally, 51 persons will have temporary assignments.

During the negotiation process or after it, 18 persons have found a job with another employer, have started studies, or have retired. In addition, 45 persons have possibilities for pension schemes. Botnia also is participating in the cooperation project with the municipalities in the area to find alternative employment opportunities.