Metsä Board modernises Kemi mill winder to boost packaging quality, reliability

FINLAND – Metsä Board has announced an investment to modernise the winder at its Kemi board mill in Finland, scheduled for the annual maintenance shutdown in October and November 2026, aiming to enhance product consistency, production performance, and delivery dependability for its corrugated packaging customers.

The Kemi mill, with an annual production capacity of approximately 465,000 tonnes, is the world’s largest producer of coated white-top kraftliners used as the outer layer in corrugated packaging. 

The winder modernisation project, part of Metsä Board’s strategy to improve the competitiveness and efficiency of its existing assets, will directly improve the quality of finished rolls supplied to customers. 

Tomi Seppä, Vice President of the Kemi Board Mill, stated that the modernisation “strengthens our finishing operations and supports our ability to deliver consistent, high-quality products to our customers,” while also improving operational stability and ensuring dependable deliveries. 

Investment Focus and Strategic Context

This winder upgrade follows a major development programme completed at Kemi in 2023, which increased the mill’s annual white kraftliner capacity from approximately 425,000 tonnes to 465,000 tonnes and improved energy and water efficiency. 

The latest project forms part of Metsä Board’s current strategic shift towards operational efficiency and quality enhancement after a period of significant capital expenditure, which exceeded €1 billion (US$1.1 billion) between 2021 and 2025.

For packaging converters, improvements at the finishing level translate into more consistent raw materials, fewer production disruptions, and greater supply chain confidence. 

The investment coincides with Metsä Group’s separate €25 million (US$27.5 million) commitment to a new Muoto fibre packaging production line in Äänekoski, set to start operations in 2028, which underscores the group’s broader focus on sustainable, fibre-based packaging alternatives. 

Metsä Board, a leading European producer of folding boxboards, foodservice boards, and white kraftliners, reported sales of €1.8 billion (US$1.98 billion) in 2025 and employs around 1,900 people. 

The winder modernisation is expected to strengthen Kemi’s role in the global supply chain by maintaining stable quality and dependable supply for international deliveries.

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