Residents in Kouvola raise concerns over Stora Enso job cuts

In Kouvola’s Inkeroinen district, residents are expressing concerns over recent layoff announcements from Stora Enso’s Anjalankoski plants. Reports indicate that the company plans to reduce its workforce by up to 45 employees, marking the third such round of layoffs in just over a year.

Local resident Petri Simpanen voiced his frustrations while at a lunch café, stating that the proposed layoffs make no sense and could lead to the village becoming desolate. He recalled a similar situation in 2011 when the closure of the Myllykoski plant significantly impacted the community. Simpanen fears the same outcome for Inkeroinen if the Anjalankoski facilities were to shut down.

Another local, Sami Raussia, shared his concerns about the future of Inkeroinen amidst ongoing cuts. Although he resides in Valkeala, he works in maintenance at the Anjalankoski plants. Raussia knows many employees at the plant who are anxious about potential job losses.

Over the past year, a total of 49 workers have already been laid off from the Anjalankoski facilities, with plans now in place to terminate 40 more positions. However, 11 of these employees will be offered alternative roles. Additionally, six employees in terminal operations will also be affected, though some might secure new positions within the company. Consequently, as many as 29 individuals could ultimately lose their jobs.

In response to the concerns, Kouvola’s deputy mayor Tuukka Forsell reassured the community that jobs still exist at the Anjalankoski plants and emphasized the city’s focus on a positive future, noting the consistent rise in both the number of businesses and job opportunities in the area.