Update related to the conversion from newsprint to containerboard at Norske Skog Golbey

The increase is generally due to increased purchase prices for goods and services throughout the project period as well as somewhat delayed deliveries of equipment. The start-up of production of packaging in Golbey is postponed to the second half of 2024 due to delivery delays. Considerable effort will be devoted going forward to ensure that the conversion project is completed within the new framework.

"The Golbey conversion project has a massive scope and has been carried out during a period of very high inflation and challenging global supply chains. Delayed deliveries and associated consequences have necessitated the project team in Golbey, along with the company's leadership, to revise the project parameters. This has been a demanding process due to the project's complexity and because it deviates from the plans we have communicated so far. Therefore, there will be a strong focus going forward to ensure that we deliver the project within these new parameters," says Geir Drangsland, CEO of Norske Skog.

The Golbey project will convert a paper machine (PM1) from producing newsprint to producing recycled containerboard. The machine will have a capacity of 550,000 tonnes and is expected to reach 95% utilisation within 2-3 years after startup. Together with the already converted paper machine (PM3) in Bruck, this project will provide Norske Skog with a total capacity of 760,000 tons of containerboard.