May 31, 2010. /Lesprom Network/. The workforce at Ortviken paper mill will be reduced by about 90 persons over the next two years. The reduction will take place through natural attrition, with the majority consisting of staff retirements, SCA said in a statement received by Lesprom Network. “Over a period of many years, we have continuously worked to enhance efficiency and reduce staffing levels at Ortviken through natural attrition,” says Kristina Enander, Mill Manager SCA Ortviken. “Increased competence, new technology and a more streamlined organisation enable us to raise our work rate, and this is necessary if we are to maintain our competitiveness.” The staff reduction from the current figure of 900 employees will be conducted gradually over a two-year period beginning in the autumn. At present, it has not been decided who will be offered a retirement pension. This shall be determined in dialogue with the trade union organisations and through cooperation in the organisation. “Productivity is an important cornerstone of our profitability and is necessary for our development,” continued Kristina Enander. “It is vital that the efficiency-enhancement programme is conducted in a controlled manner and does not impact production. My belief is that we can carry out this staff reduction through natural attrition in a relatively considerate manner.” “However, a certain degree of flexibility will be required and some people will need to move to another department. Nevertheless, I would like to emphasise that we have two years to complete the process,” says Kristina Enander. The Ortviken paper mill produces coated publication papers, LWC and newsprint. The production capacity is 850,000 tons of paper.