Helsinki, Finland, 30 August 2007 -- Metso Panelboard, a part of Metso Paper business area, will deliver the equipment for a particleboard production line to Ugra-plit PLC in Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia.

The parties have agreed not to disclose the value of the order. In general the market value of these types of deliveries is in the range of EUR 20 to EUR 30 million. The delivery is scheduled for 2008 and start-up for 2009.

The Metso scope of delivery will include all main equipment from raw material preparation to storage of sanded board. The equipment for drying and continuous pressing will be delivered by Siempelkamp GmbH & Co. KG. Metso Panelboard will also supply the plant engineering and installation and start-up supervision.

The new production line will be installed at Ugra-plit's site in Sovetskiy. The new line is designed for an annual production capacity of 150,000 cubic meters, expandable to 260,000 cubic meters. The production will be based on sawmill residues such as sawdust and chips.

Ugra-plit PLC, established in 2005, is fully owned by the Department of Property of Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Region. The investment is part of a forest industry development program of the region.

Metso is a global engineering and technology corporation with 2006 net sales of approximately EUR 5 billion. Its 26,000 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