The demand for pulp has decreased rapidly in connection with the recession in the global economy. The weak demand has lowered pulp prices and increased the producers' stock levels significantly. Therefore, Botnia plans significant curtailments of production also at its other Finnish mills in addition to the Kaskinen mill. The curtailments will be effected during 2009 with extraordinary production shut-downs according to demand for pulp. The company considers laying off its employees for the duration of the production shut-downs, and the statutory negotiations as required by Finland's Act on Cooperation in Companies will be commenced on 12 January 2009. The proposal for the start of the negotiations is given to the employee groups of Joutseno, Kemi, Rauma and Äänekoski mills on 7 January 2009. The negotiations will affect 678 people. For more information, please contact Ilkka Hämälä, President and CEO, tel. +358 10 4654672