UPM to close Boulogne planing mill

UPM Timber has announced plans to close its Boulogne further processing mill.

Employee negotiations have started with staff about closing the ??Boulogne-sur-Mer mill and centralising UPM’s further processing operations in France to the Aigrefeuille further processing mill.

The plan is also to streamline the sales function and reduce the number of employees to meet the planned operations in Aigrefeuille.

“The Boulogne mill profitability is weak and the market outlook for timber business is expected to continue difficult?,” said UPM.

Boulogne-sur-Mer employs 21 people and UPM is prepared to provide support for relocation and retraining. Founded in 1989, the mill produces planed goods and has an annual production capacity of 30,000m².

UPM Timber has already curtailed production at its six sawmills in Finland during spring and summer. ??