20 May, 2011
Sappi Fine Paper Europe announced that it will cease production of coated graphic paper at its Biberist paper mill in Switzerland. In a written statement Sappi said, “After due and thorough consideration during the consultation process with local employees ending on 16 May 2011 the definitive decision to discontinue the coated graphic paper production was taken. It is anticipated that production will cease by the end of July. The consultation was conducted with good co-operation between all parties involved, complying with the applicable Swiss legal framework.”
“To give potential acquirers interested to convert the mill to alternative products the opportunity to complete a transaction, a decision regarding the future of paper machine No 6 (PM6) and paper machine No 9 (PM9) as well as associated support departments has been postponed.
Sappi said volumes produced at the mill will be transferred to other Sappi sites. Production of the uncoated Cento brand will continue unless a suitable new owner for the mill is not found by the end of July.
With the cessation of coated graphic paper production at Biberist mill, Sappi will reduce its coated graphic paper capacity by 500,000 tons per year.