M-real to close its mill in Sittingbourne, UK

On 18 October, M-real announced its new restructuring programme, which included possible closures of capacity. One of the identified closure candidates was the Sittingbourne mill in the UK. Following the consultation process undertaken with employees and the trade union (Amicus) representing the majority of staff at the mill M-real has now confirmed that the mill will cease production by 31 January 2007. The Sittingbourne mill produces 210,000 tons of coated woodfree paper and employs approximately 300 people.

In addition to Sittingbourne, as announced earlier, M-real is possibly closing the Wifsta mill in Sweden and two paper machines (6 and 7) in Germany.

Further information:
Seppo Parvi, CFO, +358 10 469 4321
Anne-Mari Achrén, Communications, +358 10 469 4541

Source: M-real