Foundation stone at Äänekoski
The foundation stone of Metsä Group's bioproduct mill was laid in Äänekoski 12 October.
“The Äänekoski bioproduct mill combines many of the megatrends of the future, in particular the circular economy, decarbonisation, energy efficiency, industrial symbiosis, as well as the ability to renew and innovate. The project will have a positive impact on overall economic confidence; it shows that Finland is able to look to the future and identify new opportunities, says Jyrki Katainen, Vice-President of the European Commission.
The bioproduct mill is being built on a plot of around 40 hectares next to the present pulp mill. The mill will begin to rise rapidly towards the end of the year, when around 500 people will start installing prefabricated elements. Equipment installation will begin in early 2016.
With a cost of approximately EUR 1,2 billion, the bioproduct mill in Äänekoski is the largest investment in the history of the forest industry in Finland. It will produce 1,3 million tonnes of pulp annually to be used as raw material for paperboard, tissue paper, printing paper and specialty products. All of the side streams from the bioproduct mill will be utilised in the ecosystem that will be formed by various companies around the mill.
Pressrelease