Helsinki, Finland, 09 January 2009 -- Metso has concluded employee negotiations 09 January 2009, on temporary lay-offs affecting almost all personnel at units in Valkeakoski, Anjalankoski, and Jämsänkoski in Finland. The lay-offs result from a reduction in the amount of work.

The temporary lay-offs will affect approximately 400 people. The duration of the lay-offs will vary, depending on the workload, from some weeks to longer periods.

The lay-offs will begin in late January 2009, at the earliest.

Metso's units in Valkeakoski, Anjalankoski, and Jämsänkoski are part of the company's Fiber and Paper business lines. They specialize in machinery and related expert services for stock preparation, recycled fiber production, and mechanical pulping.

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