Lysaker, Norway, 29 June 2011 -- Norske Skog Saugbrugs AS in Halden has started full production on one more paper machine (PM6) after an extensive fire in the thermomechanical pulp plant on 02 February 2011. During next week, the last machine (PM5) also will start up. SC magazine paper has already been delivered to customers from PM6.

"We are very pleased to see that the first deliveries of paper to pressrooms confirm that production is at the same quality level as before the fire," said Sven Ombudstvedt, Norske Skog's CEO.

On 02 February, fire caused damage to part of the thermomechanical pulp plant, which supplies the paper machines with fiber at the Norske Skog Saugbrugs mill. All production facilities at the mill were stopped because of the fire. Normal production was subsequently started at one paper machine (PM4), which produces about 10,000 metric tons per month. PM6 started up on 08 June and was in full production from week 24. PM5 will start up on the 27 June.

Norske Skog Saugbrugs has an annual production of 545,000 metric tons of SC magazine paper and has 550 employees.