During the mill’s annual maintenance shutdown in October, a new reeler and winder were installed on the production line and the reel broke handling system was significantly upgraded. The investment, which was announced by the company in December 2019, was worth €20m (£17m).

“The new high automation finishing line will further improve the quality consistency of the paperboard reels and increase the runnability on our customers’ converting lines,” said Metsä Board Kyro mill manager Petri Huiko.

“In addition, the automation will improve upon the existing occupational safety level in the mill's finishing area and reduce the physical workload.”

The Kyro mill produces coated high-quality folding boxboard and innovative dispersion coated barrier board, which helps to reduce plastic in consumer packaging. The mill has a production capacity of 190,000 tonnes per year.