Helsinki, Finland, 10 November 2008 -- Metso Paper has concluded personnel negotiations regarding layoffs in its Järvenpää, Hollola and Jyväskylä units in Finland. The need for the layoffs is due to reduction in the amount of work, caused by the weakened market situation.

In Järvenpää and Hollola, the layoffs concern most of the personnel (approximately 1100 persons). The length of the layoffs will during the next six months vary from a couple of weeks to several months, depending on the workload of the functions.

In Jyväskylä, the layoffs will in the beginning concern a couple of dozen persons and will vary from a couple of weeks to longer periods. The amount of further layoffs and their length will be determined in accordance with the workload.

The layoffs will commence in late November at the earliest.

Metso Paper units in Jyväskylä, Järvenpää, and Hollola manufacture paper and board machines and paper finishing equipment, and supply aftermarket and expert services. The amount of personnel in Jyväskylä is approximately 2000, in Järvenpää approximately 1000, and in Hollola close to 100.

Metso is a global engineering and technology corporation with 2007 net sales of over EUR 6 billion. Its more than 27,000 employees in approximately 50 countries serve customers in the pulp and paper industry, rock and minerals processing, the energy industry, and selected other industries. www.metso.com