Stora Enso will permanently close its Veitsiluoto sawmill in Kemi, Finland, following the conclusion of employee consultations. The decision will result in approximately 60 job losses.
Production at Veitsiluoto has been temporarily curtailed since early August. It will now be discontinued permanently, with Stora Enso concentrating its Northern Finland sawmill production at its remaining sawmills.
The company announced the proposed closure in August 2026, citing the need to improve efficiency, profitability and competitiveness. It expects sawmill profitability to remain challenging, particularly because of high log costs.
Production concentrated at remaining sawmills
Stora Enso will continue supplying redwood products from its other sawmills. The company said the closure would have only a minor effect on wood procurement and consumption across its Oulu business unit in Northern Finland.
According to Stora Enso, demand remains for high-quality logs at the Oulu, Oulainen and Kalajoki sawmills, as well as for wood chips and pulpwood at the Oulu board mill.
Following the closure, the Oulu business unit will employ approximately 840 people across its board mill, three sawmills and port operations.
Support for affected employees
Matti Lielahti, head of Stora Enso’s Oulu business unit, said the company would work with its other sites, Sea Lapland employment services and other stakeholders to help affected employees find new jobs.
Support will include re-employment coaching, relocation services and assistance for employees seeking to transfer to another work location.
Stora Enso produces renewable materials and packaging solutions from fresh and recycled fibres. The company employs approximately 19,000 people and reported sales of EUR 9.3 billion in 2025.
