Liz Gyekye / PackagingNews

Stora Enso to streamline packaging operations

Stora Enso is to restructure its packaging operations, reducing the number of employees in its corrugated packaging operations in Finland by around 80.

In addition, approximately 70 jobs in its core and coreboard operations mainly in Germany, Finland, the UK and the USA are to be made redundant.

The company said it hoped the measures would slice approximately €6m annually off its overhead costs. The plans would be introduced during the first quarter of 2012 and completed by the end of Q3.

Stora Enso Packaging Business executive vice president Mats Nordlander said: “In core and coreboard markets the main customer is the board and paper industry.

“Decreased demand for paper mill cores in mature markets has made the market situation tighter, and in the current financial situation the outlook is uncertain.

“Corrugated packaging markets are very local and closely related to national economies. In Finland demand is still clearly below pre-crisis levels, and there are no signs of sustained recovery.

“The planned restructuring and streamlining measures, including some development investments, will enable us to better meet customer and market expectations and ensure our competitiveness by being more cost efficient and streamlining our operations.”