Aug 15, 2006. /Lesprom Network/. UPM has opened on August 14 co-determination negotiations concerning the possibility of temporary lay-offs at the Leivonmäki sawmill in Central Finland. The rapidly rising price and limited supply of wood from harvestable stands in the autumn season have weakened the possibilities to operate. Furthermore, UPM will continue with the production cuts at the Alholma sawmill that were agreed in spring. Sawing at Alholma will have to be reduced to one shift from its previous two. Annual capacity at the Leivonmäki sawmill is 75 000 cubic meters of sawn spruce, and the mill employs around 65 people. Located in Pietarsaari, the Alholma mill has a production capacity of 200 000 cubic meters of sawn spruce and pine a year, and employs around 85 people. UPM is one of the world's leading forest products companies. The company's businesses focus on papers, converting materials and wood products. The company offers high-quality WISA wood products solutions for building and industrial applications. The sales of UPM's wood products division in 2005 was Euro 1.3 billion, and it employs 6 500 people.