UMP closes newsprint mill, paper machine in Germany

The forest-based bio-industry company UPM Communication Papers has decided to permanently close its Hürth newsprint mill and to shut down one fine paper machine at Nordland Papier (PM 3) in Dörpen, in Germany, said UPM in a press release on Wednesday.

Earlier in May, the company announced its plans to close the newsprint mill and shutdown the paper machine.

Now the respective participation processes with the employee representatives have been concluded.

A total of 338 employees will be affected following the closures.

Graphic paper production in Hürth is expected to end on August 31 and at Nordland Papier PM 3 latest by the end of 2024, resulting in annual reductions of 330,000 tonnes of newsprint paper capacity and 280,000 tonnes of uncoated fine paper capacity.

“In cooperation with the workers council, we have engaged in a constructive dialogue with the aim of developing responsible solutions for our employees. The thoughtful and collaborative approach taken by all parties during the consultations resulted in socially responsible solutions for our people,” said Antti Hermonen, Senior Vice-President, Operations of UPM Communication Papers.