Nov 26, 2009. /Lesprom Network/. Metsäliitto Wood Products Industry will launch negotiations under the Co-operation Act at all of its operational sawmills in Finland. The negotiations will address a plan for restricting production at the sawmills when necessary with temporary layoffs of up to 90 days until the end of June 2010. The notice concerning negotiations covers a total of about 450 employees at six sawmills, the company said in a press release received by Lesprom Network. "The market situation and operational environment in the sawmill industry continue to be challenging," says Ole Salvén, Group Executive Vice President of Metsäliitto Wood Products Industry. "With possible production restrictions, we aim, when necessary, to prepare for a shortage of wood raw material with a competitive price, as well as for changes taking place in the market situation of sawn timber." Metsäliitto Wood Product Industry's sawmills have executed production restrictions throughout the year. Operations at the Kyröskoski and Karihaara sawmills were already previously suspended until further notice. Metsäliitto's sawmills are located in Hämeenkyrö, Kannus, Kemi, Lappeenranta, Merikarvia, Pöytyä, Renko and Vilppula. Their combined capacity is about 2.2 million cubic metres of spruce and pine sawn timber and processed products.