Helsinki, Finland, 04 September 2006 -- Metso Panelboard has been selected as a major supplier of equipment for a new fiberboard plant for Berneck S.A.'s operations in Araucária, Paraná, Brazil. The new plant is scheduled for start-up in early 2008. The value of the order is approximately EUR 6 million.

The delivery includes equipment for debarking and chipping, silos for dosing and storing of raw material and biomass, and a fiber preparation system. Metso Panelboard will also supply a glue kitchen, drying equipment (including a two-stage dryer), and a sifter. In addition, the scope of supply includes process automation for the systems and equipment from Metso. Engineering services, such as installation and start-up supervision, will also be provided.

The new MDF plant will have an annual production capacity of about 340,000 cubic meters.

Berneck is a leading panels producer in Brazil with a substantial particleboard facility and a sawmill already in operation on the site in Araucária.

Metso is a global engineering and technology corporation with 2005 net sales of approximately EUR 4.2 billion. Its 22,000 employees in more than 50 countries serve customers in the pulp and paper industry, rock and minerals processing, the energy industry, and selected other industries.
www.metso.com