Valmet, a supplier of technologies and automation services for the pulp and paper industry, has concluded the change negotiations within the Board and Paper Mills business unit in Finland.  

The discussions, which began on 5 September 2024, were aimed at enhancing the profitability, as well as the competitiveness, of the Paper unit's operations. 

The business unit has been developing and delivering board and paper-making lines and technologies across the globe.  

Valmet’s negotiations encompassed approximately 1,300 employees, exclusively targeting those within the Board and Paper Mills segment.

No other divisions or employees from the broader Paper business line were involved in these talks. 

As a result of the negotiations, Valmet will see the termination of 112 positions, which it says is lower than the initially estimated reduction of 200 roles when the negotiation started.  

The company will also carry out fixed-term position terminations, encourage retirements, and facilitate internal transfers to mitigate the impact on its workforce. 

In addition to the direct job cuts, the Board and Paper Mills business unit will undergo temporary layoffs for up to 90 days during the initial half (H1) of 2025. 

Valmet said that it is supporting its affected employees through various means, including offering personal career coaching to aid their re-employment. 

The company operates on a global scale with more than 19,000 employees worldwide. In Finland alone, it employs approximately 6,600 individuals.  

In February this year, Valmet announced the commencement of negotiations to restructure its Services and Paper divisions within the Europe, Middle East, and Africa region, and corporate functions.