The new line, which the business, part of Metsä Group, invested €11m (£9.76m) in, will increase the annual capacity of the sheeting plant by 35,000 tonnes to a total of 120,000 tonnes and will enable quicker deliveries to customers.

In addition to the new sheet cutter, the investment included additional automation to the existing sheet cutters as well as equipment for cutter reel handling and storage. The new sheeting line is located in the existing sheeting plant.

The Äänekoski mill produces premium coated folding boxboard for demanding end uses including MetsäBoard Pro FBB Bright folding boxboard, which is suitable for packaging of chocolate and confectionery, food, healthcare and beautycare, and for graphic applications.

Metsä Board technical service director for South and West Europe Matthew Terry said: “The new sheeting line represents another example of Metsä Board’s ongoing investments to improve both the range and quality of the services we are able to offer customers in the UK whilst at the same time increasing the efficiency and sustainability of our operation.”