04/03/2008 Production quickly back to normal after fire at Metsä Tissue's Žilina mill Metsä Tissue's finished goods warehouse at Žilina mill in Slovakia was destroyed by fire on Sunday 2 March 2008. Since late Monday, production has been back to normal. 'The bulk of the converting lines work normally again. Some of the converting machinery suffered of the water from the fire extinction and required minor reparations. All lines are expected to run normally during today'- says Lubos Lopatka, Regional Operational Director, Metsä Tissue. There were no casualties and only the warehouse was damaged. The fire was extinguished on Monday; however, it will take several days to clear the area. A plan for temporary warehousing has been prepared with enough storage capacity near the mill. Direct damages are estimated to be approximately 10 million euros and include the warehouse building and products equivalent to over two weeks' production. Both the property and business losses were insured. Based on the official statement from the local police the fire was a deliberate arson attack. The person has been arrested. The plans to secure the supply of goods were conducted during Monday. 'We are relieved that nobody was injured in the fire. Material losses were high and the coming weeks will challenge the whole organisation. All employees at the Žilina mill have made quick and excellent progress in minimising the damage. For this I would to thank them all'-, comments Hannu Kottonen, CEO, Metsä Tissue. 'I also want to emphasise the fact that we are doing our utmost with the support of the other Metsä Tissue mills to serve our customers'-, continues Hannu Kottonen. For additional information: Mr Lubos Lopatka; Regional Operational Director CEE Tel.: + 421 41 51 21 409 GSM: + 421 905 524 337 E-mail: lubos.lopatka@metsatissue.com Mr Antti Pokki; Senior Vice President Tel.: + 358 10 469 4682 GSM: + 358 500 636 644 E-mail: antti.pokki@metsatissue.com