Outokumpu enters into discussions to close down its copper tube production in the Netherlands

Outokumpu has entered into discussions with the local Works Council and Trade Unions in order to close down its copper tube production at Outokumpu Copper HME B.V. in Waalwijk, the Netherlands. Outokumpu Copper HME B.V. produces some 13 000 tonnes of copper sanitary tubes annually and employs 90 persons.

Outokumpu Copper is one of the major copper tube manufacturers for sanitary applications in Europe, producing annually some 120 000 tonnes of sanitary and industrial copper tubes in Finland, Sweden, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Spain. Outokumpu Copper HME B.V. is part of the acquisition of the copper fabrication units from Boliden at the end of 2003. The planned closure of the Dutch unit is in line with the overall strategy of Outokumpu Copper to utilize synergies and streamlining possibilities from the Boliden transaction in the continued very competitive market in Europe.

Outokumpu Copper operates globally. Main customer groups are in the heat transfer, electrical, electronics, and telecommunications industries as well as in the building & construction and automotive industries. The manufacturing units are located in USA, Finland, Sweden, the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Italy, France, Austria, Britain, China, Malaysia, Thailand and Mexico. Net sales of Outokumpu Copper in 2003 were EUR 1 626 million and today it employs some 7 600 people.

For more information, please contact:

Mr. Bengt Hörberg, Managing Director,
Outokumpu Copper HME BV
Tel. +31 416 67 50 06,
Fax: +31 416 67 50 51,
mobile: +32 475 830 906
Bengt.Horberg@outokumpu.com


OUTOKUMPU OYJ
Corporate Management

Eero Mustala
Senior Vice President - Corporate Communications
tel.+358 9 421 2435, fax +358 9 421 2429
e-mail: eero.mustala@outokumpu.com
home page: http://www.outokumpu.com