Metsä Board, a producer of fresh fibre paperboards, has revealed plans to commence change negotiations concerning potential temporary layoffs at its Finnish mills.  

The discussions are set to affect approximately 1,100 employees across the Joutseno, Kaskinen, Kemi, Kyro, Tampere, Simpele, and Äänekoski facilities.  

These measures are being considered in response to anticipated low delivery volumes in 2025. 

The negotiations will begin in mid-November and are expected to last for two weeks. 

These negotiations will explore the possibility of implementing the layoffs in several phases throughout 2025.

The duration of these possible layoffs would not exceed 90 days, it has been noted.  

The specifics regarding the allocation, quantity, and schedule of the potential layoffs will be determined during next year.

The formal announcement for negotiations follows the confirmation by Metsä Board last May for potential temporary layoffs.

Headquartered in Espoo, Finland, Metsä Board produces lightweight folding boxboards, foodservice boards, and white kraftliners. 

The company, which is part of Metsä Group, reported sales totalling €1.9bn ($2.0bn) in 2023 and employs approximately 2,300 people. 

Metsä Board commits to having completely fossil-free mills and raw materials by the end of 2030.  

Recently, the company announced that the renewed folding boxboard machine installation at its Simpele mill will take place in late 2025.