M-real Finishes Statutory Negotiations, Reduces Workforce

The workforce at M-real Corp., Finland, part of Metsäliitto Group, will be reduced by a maximum of 44 people as a result of concluded statutory negotiations at the Äänekoski paper mill in Finland. Personnel reductions will take place during 2011 at the latest.

M-real began statutory negotiations in August in efforts to improve the mill's efficiency and profitability. The mill employs about 250 people.

The company will work with authorities to help affected employees find new employment. If possible, it will offer jobs internally in the company or at other Metsäliitto Group businesses.

M-real announced in March that it would invest approximately EUR 6 million in sheeting operations at the Äänekoski paper mill to increase sheeting capacity, streamline the conversion process, and improve package quality and the mill's profitability. The investment will be done next summer.

TAPPI
http://www.tappi.org/