Billerud: Skärblacka paper mill faces production shutdown

Apr 15, 2010. /Lesprom Network/. If the members of the Swedish Paper Workers Union decide to carry out their notice of total stoppage of work at Billerud’s paper mill in Skärblacka at 06.00 CET, 16 April, production at Skärblacka will come to a complete standstill, company said in a statement received by Lesprom Network. The loss of production is expected to affect Billerud’s earnings by approximately SEK 3 million per day, and will lead to one-time costs of approximately SEK 2.5 million for firing up and closing down the soda recovery boiler. These costs are exclusive of any compensation that may be received from the Confederation of Swedish Enterprise’s strike fund. “It is extremely unfortunate if the Paper Workers Union decides to close down this mill which is very important for Billerud and for our customers. This action will be detrimental for our key customers as well as for employment opportunities at the mill,” says Billerud’s President and CEO, Per Lindberg. Billerud supplies pulp, packaging materials and packagings solutions. Production takes place at three integrated pulp and paper mills in Sweden and at one paper mill in the UK.