Sappi Europe has launched a consultation process on a proposal to close Paper Machine 2 at its Kirkniemi Mill in Lohja, Finland, as part of an asset restructuring plan.
The move comes amid a structural decline in European demand for graphic paper and ongoing financial pressures.
If implemented, the closure would cut the mill’s annual production of coated magazine paper by 175,000 tonnes. The remaining paper machines, PM1 and PM3, would continue operations, with the company pledging to maintain uninterrupted customer supply.
Sappi Europe CEO Marco Eikelenboom said the proposal reflects changing market conditions and aims to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and long-term competitiveness across the company’s European operations.
The consultation process could affect up to 100 positions at the Kirkniemi Mill, which currently employs about 550 people and produces roughly 750,000 tonnes of magazine paper annually. Sappi has committed to supporting affected employees in line with Finnish legislation, working with representatives to identify solutions.
Sappi Europe, a division of Sappi Limited, is a leading producer of coated fine paper, packaging, and specialty papers, as well as dissolving pulp. Headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, the company operates manufacturing facilities across Europe and serves customers worldwide in the printing, packaging, and industrial sectors.
