UPM plans to close Hürth paper mill and reduce capacity at Nordland Papier
News General news
UPM Communication Papers is planning the permanent closure of its newsprint mill in Hürth and the shutdown of a fine paper machine at Nordland Papier (PM 3) in Dörpen.
This would lead to annual capacity reductions of 330,000 tonnes of newsprint and 280,000 tonnes of uncoated fine paper, the paper producer explained at the end of May.
If the plans are realised, the number of employees affected is estimated at around 135 in Hürth and 210 in Dörpen. The participation process with the works council will begin immediately, UPM writes. Both paper machines affected by the planned measure would cease production of graphic papers by the end of 2024 at the latest. Production on the remaining paper machines at Nordland Papier will continue as before.
UPM justifies the decision with the continued decline in demand for graphic paper. This has intensified in 2023, so UPM does not expect a lasting recovery, leading to significant overcapacity in the market.
