Metsä Wood to cut 32 jobs in Punkaharju

Metsä Wood will reduce 32 positions at its Punkaharju mills in South Savo, the company announced on Wednesday following the conclusion of change negotiations, Yle reports.

Initial estimates had suggested 46 permanent jobs would be cut at the site, which includes a plywood mill and a Kerto LVL mill employing 470 people. Factory manager Petri Mikkola said he was relieved the number had decreased, though he acknowledged the difficulty of the situation for staff.

Some affected employees may opt for early retirement, though the exact number remains unclear as plans are finalised. Additional restructuring will see tasks reorganised rather than eliminated, Mikkola said.

The negotiations covered Metsä Wood’s workforce in Finland and Estonia, with a total of 72 employees facing layoffs or role changes across both countries.