Matsa, Finland, 11 March 2009 -- The statutory labor negotiations commenced by Metsäliitto Wood Supply in February 2009 are now concluded. The negotiations concerned Wood Supply Finland and Delivery organizations. As a result of the negotiations, all employees in the procurement districts and the procurement and delivery units of Wood Supply Finland, a total of some 450 employees, will be laid off for a period of two to six weeks. The layoffs will be carried out by the end of June; however, they will be organized so that the basic functions of wood supply can be maintained without interruption.

During the negotiations, reorganizing the functions in northern Finland was also discussed, which included a review of the division of districts in northern Finland, the location of district offices, the operating areas of the procurement and delivery unit, and the definition of functions. This review might result in the reduction of a maximum of nine employees. The redundancies will be carried out through various assignment transfers and pension schemes. Dismissals, however, are not excluded. The decision on eventual changes will be made later in spring and the reorganization process will be concluded by the start of the summer holiday period.

Due to the weak market situation and curtailments in production, Metsäliitto has been compelled to restrict the volumes of wood purchasing, reception, and deliveries. As part of this process, Metsäliitto is adjusting its operations and costs through layoffs and by streamlining its organization to meet the current situation. Similar actions have already been taken at the Group’s production units.

“All these measures will support in the long-term Metsäliitto’s core mission, which remains unchanged. Metsäliitto will continue to procure and market its owner-members’ wood in a competitive manner, and to process the wood primarily at its own production units,” said Yrjö Perälä, senior vice president, Wood Supply Finland.