The negotiations started in February in order to improving the mills’ competitiveness through new ways of operating, such as increasing co-operation between departments as well as the use of common resources between mills.

The move could have a local impact, as Australian paper merchants told ProPrint last week that recent strikes at Finnish mills had exacerbated increasing pulp prices and contributed to forthcoming paper price rises.

The staff reductions will mainly take place in 2010 and will affect 147 shop-floor employees along with 33 salaried staff.

UPM said the continued measures are to improve competitiveness “through more flexible and cost-efficient ways to operate”.

The announcement follows a series of large production curtailments made by the company, which has faced increased market pressures from weak demand and overcapacity.

Read the original article at www.printweek.com.

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