Long production shutdown at Metsä Group’s Kemi bioproduct mill due to gas explosion

A gas explosion occurred at Metsä Group's Kemi bioproduct mill in the evaporation plant during welding work on Thursday 21 March 2024. Three people were slightly exposed to hydrogen sulphide and were referred for a health check. The persons have returned to work after the check-up.

After securing the area, an investigation into the material damage was launched. According to current information, the repair work will take 10 – 12 weeks. The production will be started when the repair work has been completed and the safe operation of the mill has been ensured. The extent of the damage is currently being investigated, and the timetable will be refined as the investigations progress.

The production shutdown at the Kemi bioproduct mill led also to a production shutdown at Metsä Board's Kemi board mill, which is part of the same mill integrate. The unbleached pulp needed for the board mill cannot be produced without the chemical cycle of the bioproduct mill.

More information:
Tiina Tassi, Communications Director, Metsä Fibre, tel. +358 40 833 4811

Metsä Fibre 
metsagroup.com/fi/metsafibre

Metsä Group’s pulp and sawmill business Metsä Fibre produces not only pulp and sawn timber but also other bioproducts such as biochemicals and bioenergy. Our products made from northern wood are an alternative to fossil materials. We promote a culture of diversity, equality and inclusion.

In 2023, our sales totalled EUR 2.5 billion, and we have approximately 1,600 employees. Metsä Group’s parent company Metsäliitto Cooperative is owned by approximately 90,000 Finnish forest owners. The sales of the whole Metsä Group were EUR 6.1 billion.
 

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