Feb 06, 2009. /Lesprom.com/. Pulp producer Metsä Botnia and tissue producer Metsä Tissue, both companies member of the Metsäliitto Group, presented strong reports for 2008. Botnia's sales increased 16% and Metsä Tissue's sales increased 8%, Papernet said. In 2008, Metsä Botnia’s turnover was Euro 1,591 million (1,371 million 2007). Operating profit increased by 12%, totalling Euro 209 million (186). The turnover and result for the year were supported by the high price of pulp at the beginning of the year, and the US dollar, which strengthened during the latter part of the year. The most significant factors weakening the result include the continuously high price of the wood raw material and the rapid decline in pulp prices and demand occurring in the latter part of the year. The return on capital employed, ROCE, remained unchanged, totalling 10.6% in 2008. Metsä Tissue’s sales totalled Euro 930 million (861), and the operating result was Euro 42 million (35). The steady development of Metsä Tissue’s own brands as well as efficiency programs contributed to the improvement of the result. Growth was promoted by an increase in sales volumes by three percent, increasing selling prices and changes in the product mix. “The company’s long term commitment to consistent brand building is also shown in the result,” comments Hannu Kottonen, CEO of Metsä Tissue. “The sales of Metsä Tissue's own brands increased by 12% in comparison to the previous year.”