Stora Enso to Permanently Close Veitsiluoto Sawmill in Finland
Paper Recycling | 2026-08-13 11:44:21
Under the current proposal, Veitsiluoto would remain shut after its temporary production stoppage and would not resume operations in October 2026.
By Paul Ploumis
Stora Enso Weighs Permanent Closure of Veitsiluoto Sawmill in Kemi
Stora Enso is considering a plan to permanently close its Veitsiluoto sawmill and shift pine timber production to its more modern facilities in Oulu and Kalajoki, as part of a broader efficiency drive across its northern Finland sawmilling network.
What Readers Should Know
- Veitsiluoto sawmill in Kemi faces potential permanent closure under a sawmill consolidation plan.
- Pine timber production would move mainly to Stora Enso's Oulu and Kalajoki sawmills.
- The plan is aimed at improving efficiency, profitability and competitiveness.
- About 60 jobs are covered by change negotiations expected to run three weeks.
- No final decision on closure or job cuts will be made until talks conclude.
- Stora Enso says the closure would have only a minor effect on its overall wood consumption.
MONTREAL (Scrap Monster): Stora Enso is considering a major change to its sawmilling operations in northern Finland that could lead to the permanent closure of its Veitsiluoto sawmill in Kemi. The company plans to shift pine timber production to its other facilities, mainly the modern sawmills in Oulu and Kalajoki.
Why Stora Enso Is Considering the Closure
The proposed move is part of Stora Enso's strategy to improve efficiency and strengthen the profitability and competitiveness of its operations. The company noted that maintaining production at the Veitsiluoto sawmill would require substantial investment, given that the facility has been in operation for more than a century.
What the Change Negotiations Cover
Stora Enso has started change negotiations covering about 60 employees at the sawmill. The discussions are expected to continue for three weeks. The company clarified that no final decision on the closure or potential job cuts will be taken until the negotiations are completed.
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What Happens to Production and Wood Supply
The company said the closure is expected to have only a minor impact on its overall wood consumption. Under the current proposal, Veitsiluoto would remain shut after its ongoing temporary production stoppage and would not resume operations in October 2026.
What Happens Next
Matti Lielahti, Head of Stora Enso's Oulu business unit, said the company is focused on handling the process responsibly and supporting employees during the negotiations. He also noted that the company's modern Oulu sawmill is ramping up as planned.
People Also Ask
What is Stora Enso proposing for the Veitsiluoto sawmill?
Stora Enso is considering permanently closing the Veitsiluoto sawmill in Kemi and shifting pine timber production to its sawmills in Oulu and Kalajoki.
How many employees are affected by the negotiations?
The change negotiations cover about 60 employees at the Veitsiluoto sawmill.
How long will the negotiations last?
The discussions are expected to continue for three weeks before any final decision is made.
Will Veitsiluoto reopen after its temporary stoppage?
Under the current proposal, the sawmill would remain closed and would not resume operations in October 2026.
How would the closure affect Stora Enso's wood consumption?
The company said the closure is expected to have only a minor impact on its overall wood consumption.
POLL
What is the main reason behind Stora Enso’s proposed sawmill restructuring?
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why is Stora Enso considering closing the Veitsiluoto sawmill?
The company aims to improve efficiency, profitability and competitiveness. Maintaining production at the century-old facility would require significant investment.
- Where will production be moved if the closure proceeds?
Pine timber production is expected to be transferred primarily to Stora Enso’s modern sawmills in Oulu and Kalajoki.
- When could the sawmill cease operations permanently?
If approved, the Veitsiluoto facility would remain closed after its current temporary shutdown and would not restart production in October 2026.
