Metsä Fibre is opening a new round of change negotiations over possible temporary lay-offs at its Joutseno pulp mill in southeastern Finland, as challenging market conditions continue to affect production planning.
The negotiations cover the mill’s entire workforce, approximately 160 employees, and are scheduled to begin during week 37. The company has not specified the potential duration or timing of any lay-offs resulting from the talks.
“The pulp market situation remains challenging,” said Ismo Nousiainen, CEO of Metsä Fibre. He said the demand outlook and conditions in the wood market could require production adjustments to continue longer than previously anticipated.
The latest talks extend a period of adjustment at Joutseno. Metsä Fibre began a market-related production shutdown at the mill on March 31 amid uncertain demand in Asian pulp markets. In March, a previous round of negotiations covered potential temporary lay-offs of up to 90 days and involved approximately 170 employees.
The Joutseno mill has an annual production capacity of 690,000 tonnes of bleached softwood pulp. Its output is used primarily in paperboard, tissue, printing papers and specialty products.
Metsä Fibre, part of Metsä Group, produces pulp, sawn timber, biochemicals and bioenergy. The company reported sales of EUR 2.6 billion in 2025 and employs approximately 1,400 people.
Earlier coverage: Metsä Shuts Joutseno Pulp Mill as Demand Weakens
