Metsä Board will modernise the board machine winder at its Kemi mill during the site’s annual maintenance shutdown in October and November 2026, targeting improvements in finishing operations for coated white-top kraftliner used in corrugated packaging.
The investment is intended to improve product quality, production efficiency and supply-chain reliability at the mill. Metsä Board said the project would strengthen operational stability and help the company maintain dependable deliveries to customers.
“This winder modernisation strengthens our finishing operations and supports our ability to deliver consistent, high-quality products to our customers,” said Tomi Seppä, Vice President, Kemi Board Mill. “At the same time, it improves operational stability and ensures dependable deliveries.”
The Kemi facility has an annual production capacity of approximately 465,000 tonnes of coated white-top kraftliner. According to Metsä Board, it is the world’s largest producer of this grade. The material is supplied for use as the top layer of corrugated packaging worldwide.
Coated white-top kraftliner provides the outer surface of corrugated board used for packaging applications. The winder forms part of the mill’s finishing operations, preparing the board for supply to customers. Its modernisation will focus on the final stages of production rather than increasing the mill’s annual capacity.
The work is scheduled for the planned maintenance shutdown, allowing Metsä Board to implement the upgrade within its maintenance programme. The company did not disclose the value of the investment or provide technical details about the replacement or modification of the winder.
Metsä Board said the project would support the Kemi mill’s role in the corrugated packaging supply chain by improving consistency, efficiency and delivery reliability. The upgrade is due to be completed as part of the October–November shutdown.