Unplanned Shutdown of Rottneros Vallvik Mill has a Negative Impact on Production

Billerud is evaluating significant investments to transform its Escanaba mill into a world-class paperboard production facility and has applied for investment support from the State of Michigan. The Michigan House of Representatives and Senate has passed legislation approving an appropriation of up to USD 200 million in funding to support Billerud’s plans. The legislation must be approved by Michigan’s Governor, which is expected to occur within two weeks. A pre-feasibility study about Billerud’s planned conversion of the Escanaba mill to paperboard production is ongoing and planned to be completed during the first half of 2023, after which the company’s Board of Directors can make an investment decision.

Employee consultations for UPM Communication Papers were concluded at the Jämsä River mills this week. The UPM Kaipola paper mill in Jämsä, Finland, will be closed permanently by mid-December. UPM’s second paper mill in Jämsä, UPM Jämsänkoski, will continue operations with one graphic paper machine and two specialty paper machines. The parties were not able to identify an economically viable solution for the future operation of UPM Kaipola. Consequently, Kaipola’s three paper machines will be permanently closed, affecting altogether 448 positions at the mill, of which 20 positions will be transferred to UPM Jämsänkoski’s Specialty Papers operations. Approximately 20 % of the redundancies will be retirements, with discussions pending. The closure will lead to an annual reduction of 720,000 tonnes of graphic paper capacity, thereof 450,000 tonnes of newsprint and 270,000 tonnes of coated mechanical paper. An after-care team will ensure safe conditions at the mill after the closing.

*Order intake amounted to 2,588.6 million euros (MEUR) and was thus 49.7% higher than in the previous year’s reference period (Q1 2021: 1,729.5 MEUR). In particular, the Pulp & Paper and Hydro business areas were able to increase order intake significantly compared to the reference period of the previous year. *The order backlog as of March 31, 2022, reached a record level at 9,435.1 MEUR and has thus risen significantly once again compared to the end of 2021 (December 31, 2021: 8,165.8 MEUR). *Revenue at 1,526.9 MEUR were 2.3% higher than in the previous year’s reference period (Q1 2021: 1,493.2 MEUR). This rise is largely attributable to the Metals and Separation business areas. *The operating result increased more than revenue, reaching 122.3 MEUR (+10.3% compared to Q1 2021: 110.9 MEUR). As a result, the Group’s profitability (EBITA margin) increased significantly to 8.0% (Q1 2021: 7.4%). This is mainly due to continuing good business development in the Pulp & Paper business area and the substantial earnings improvements achieved by the Metals and Hydro business areas. *Net income increased to 71.5 MEUR (Q1 2021: 62.1 MEUR).