Norske Skog closes Walsum paper mill

Norwegian paper manufacturer Norske Skog, Oslo, closes its paper mill in Walsum/DE. The reason for the closure is a monthly negative profit contribution of NOK 10 million (€ 1.13 million), according to a company’s press release. Insolvency proceedings were opened on 5 June at the District Court in Duisburg/DE.

Although measures had been taken to improve the energy and raw materials side, the figures remained negative. A reduction of the workforce also failed to improve the results, CEO Sven Ombudstvedt revealed.

Due to the market situation and the operating costs of the plant, the management considers it unrealistic that the plant’s results will return into the black. The shut-down will not affect existing contracts with suppliers or customers, it was emphasized. The plant with a staff of currently 291 persons produces 205,000 t/yr of Light Weight Coated Paper.