May 23, 2006. /Lesprom Network/. Slovenian paper mill Vipap Videm Krsko concluded the Euro 4 million second phase of upgrading its production line, bringing to a close its 1998 plan to modernize its production, STA reported quoting Vipap CEO Oldrich Kettner. The start of the upgraded line was also attended by minister of economy Andrej Vizjak and Czech deputy minister for industry and trade Martin Tlapa. Mr. Kettner said that this year's planned phasing out of pulp production is a consequence of unsuccessful talks between Slovenia and the EU. The phasing out will leave the company with 350 excess workers, Mr. Kettner revealed, while Mr. Vizjak said that the state is ready to help the workers in finding new employment. "The ministry has the means and the programme," he added. Mr. Kettner said that the Czech bank Ceskoslovenska ophodni banka (CSOB), controlled by the Czech consolidation agency, a part of the country's finance ministry, is still Vipap's formal owner. Mr. Vizjak pointed out that the government is ready to take part in securing successful future business operations in cooperation with the company's active owner. The same intent was expressed by the Czech side, which called for cooperation of both states. Mr. Vizjak moreover expressed his belief that keeping 450 jobs at Vipap can only be achieved by continuous modernization and education of the workforce. The company is also carrying out environmental protection plans and has so far invested Euro 107 million into technological and environmental plans. The modernization presents the largest investment in 2006, Mr. Kettner said, explaining that the upgrade is meant to ensure production of high-quality paper from recycled paper. The company produced a record 180 000 tonnes of paper in 2005, he revealed, adding that a new paper-making line will be set up by 2010.