UPM Paper ENA plans to reduce graphic paper capacity and optimize operations to increase competitiveness

In light of the global market situation for graphic papers, and to sustain its competitiveness and leading position in the market, UPM Paper ENA plans to:
• optimize operations at its UPM Nordland Papier and UPM NorService units in Dörpen, Germany, Europe’s biggest fine paper site. Streamlining internal processes and investing in automation will enable a sustainable improvement of the fixed cost structure.
• permanently close paper machine 5 at UPM Blandin in Minnesota, United States, reducing the annual capacity by approximately 128,000 tons of coated magazine paper in response to overcapacities in the North American paper market. The closure is expected to be completed by end of Q1 2018 the latest. Paper production related to paper machine 6 is planned to continue at the Blandin site.

In total 223 positions are estimated to be affected by these plans in Dörpen at UPM Nordland Papier and UPM NorService. At UPM Blandin, it is estimated that 150 positions will be affected by the plans. Employment related actions in Blandin will start with immediate effect and will be handled in accordance with federal and state statutory requirements; the employee consultation process in Dörpen will start in November in line with local legislation.

UPM will recognize restructuring charges of approximately EUR 35 million as items affecting comparability in its Q4 2017 results. The planned actions will result in annual savings of approximately EUR 30 million.

“During the last years the demand for graphic papers has been declining – and the decline is expected to continue. Our employees have always given their best, even under challenging market conditions, and we regret the impact of the planned measures on our personnel in Dörpen and Blandin. However, we have to adjust our operations to prospective customer demand and continuously improve our operations to safeguard the success of UPM Paper ENA in the long run,” says Winfried Schaur, Executive Vice President, UPM Paper ENA.

“UPM Paper ENA is committed to leading our business in a sustainable manner. Consequently, the interests of our employees and of our customers are a central part of our plans. We will engage in a fair dialogue with employee representatives. At the same time we will continue delivering products of the highest quality and full service at all times during this process,” says Ruud van den Berg, Senior Vice President, Magazines, Merchants and Office Business at UPM Paper ENA.
http://www.upm.com/About-us/Newsroom/Releases/Pages/UPM-Paper-ENA-plans-to-reduce-graphic-paper-capacity-and-optimize-operations-to–001-Tue-24-Oct-2017-16-03.aspx

Related Posts

Rottneros interim report January-September 2024

Statement by the CEO: Our production remained relatively stable in the third quarter, but rising raw material costs continued to negatively impact our earnings. Although the chemical pulp market experienced a slight slowdown, our customers continue to show interest in expanding volumes in our chosen niches. All three major investment projects at our mills are starting up this fall. As before, safety, efficiency, and high availability at our mills are of the utmost importance to ensure that our employees feel safe in their workplace and can achieve optimal results despite external challenges. Total production for the group increased by 2 percent compared with the same quarter last year. EBIT fell by 9 MSEK to 40 MSEK, mainly due to higher wood costs, which increased by about 40 MSEK. Gradually rising competition for pulp wood is driving prices upward. Meanwhile, our own supply of wood and wood chips remains strong, largely due to our long-term efforts to foster close relationships with our suppliers, which are mainly sawmills and timber companies.

Catalyst Paper Implements New Recruitment & Onboarding System

The new system has limited data entry requirements allowing individuals interested in a career with Catalyst to enter their credentials quickly and easily. The new system also allows the company to maintain an easily searchable database of candidates for current or future jobs. Anyone interested in employment with Catalyst or considering a job change should visit the company’s careers site (catalystpaper.com/careers) and input their credentials. For over a century, Catalyst has been an integral part of the North American pulp and paper industry. It is proud to be recognized as a leader in product technology innovation and environmental sustainability, founded on a tradition of operational excellence and personal ownership for business performance. Click Read More below for additional information.

Drytac appoints Anne Sierakowski as Product Manager

Drytac is delighted to announce the appointment of Anne Sierakowski to the role of Product Manager in North America. Effective 1st May 2024, Anne will play a key role in product strategy development at Drytac. This will include assessing the market landscape for major trends and emerging technologies, as well as conducting research to understand core customer needs and requirements. “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Anne to the Drytac team,” says Glen Fitzgerald, Director of Sales, Americas at Drytac. “She brings a wealth of experience to the role which will benefit both our team and customers across the market. “Anne will be supporting us with both new products and existing solutions, working closely with customers and our many partners to ensure we are delivering the best possible solutions.”
Back To Top
×Close search
Search