Apr 22, 2009. /Lesprom Network/. During the 1Q 2009, Botnia's sales fell by 24% compared to the corresponding period last year, amounting to Euro 302.8 million (Euro 397.9 million January–March 2008). With the Fray Bentos mill in full production, the pulp sales volume, however, increased by over 5%, amounting to 789,800 tonnes, as the company informed Lesprom Network. Operating profit excluding non-recurring items was Euro -47.4 million (Euro 75.3 million). The cost effects of non-recurring items and fixed assets writedowns connected to the closure of the Kaskinen mill were Euro 75 million, of which Euro 20 million have an impact on cash flow. The fall in sales and profit was due to the significant weakening of the market situation and the price of pulp. The result was also weakened by production curtailment shutdowns caused by declining demand. Operating profit weakened significantly compared to the last quarter of 2008 as well. The sales volume during the 1Q 2009 was 10%, or 72 thousand tonnes, higher than in the previous quarter. The demand for pulp continues to be weak due to the low utilisation rate of paper mills. Producers' inventory levels are high in spite of production curtailments at several mills and closures of older capacity. A shutdown of three weeks was carried out in the Joutseno mill for the period 28 February - 23 March 2009. Shutdowns will take place at the other mills during the year if the market situation so requires.