Helsinki, Finland, 28 January 2010 -- Metso has concluded the employee negotiations started on 16 December 2009, in MW Biopower Oy’s Kiuruvesi unit in Finland.

As a result of the negotiations, the temporary lay-offs of all employees in production will continue. These lay-offs will affect up to 46 people. Temporary lay-offs of white-collar employees will start on 01 March 2010. These lay-offs, affecting up to 37 people, will be implemented according to the work load situation in each department. The temporary lay-offs result from the decreasing order backlog of heating plants.

MW Biopower Oy is part of Metso-Wärtsilä joint venture, MW Power. The Kiuruvesi unit employs 83 people. The production unit manufactures structures for power and heating and plants.

Metso (www.metso.com) is a global supplier of sustainable technology and services for mining, construction, power generation, automation, recycling, and the pulp and paper industries. The company has about 26,500 employees in more than 50 countries.