Long production interruption at Metsä Board's Kemi board mill

Metsä Board Corporation Investor News 26 March 2024

On 21 March 2024, a gas explosion occurred at the evaporation plant of Metsä Board's associated company Metsä Fibre's Kemi bioproduct mill. Three people were slightly exposed to hydrogen sulphide and were referred for a health check. The persons have returned to work after the check.

Metsä Board's Kemi board mill, which produces white kraftliner, is part of the Kemi integrated mill. Metsä Board's board mill was not damaged in the explosion, but the mill is not operational because unbleached pulp cannot be produced without the chemical recovery of the bioproduct mill.

Due to repair work of the evaporation plant at the bioproduct mill, Metsä Board's board mill is currently estimated to be out of production for approximately 10–12 weeks. The company investigates the possibility of restarting the board production at a significantly lower production level than normal during the repair work at the bioproduct mill. In addition, the company explores possibilities to offer alternative products to customers.

The financial impacts caused by the production interruption will be specified as the repair work progresses, and they will be reported in more detail in Metsä Board's interim reports.

METSÄ BOARD CORPORATION