Stora Enso to Close Kotka Pulp Mill, 300 Jobs at Risk

Finnish forestry company Stora Enso is set to announce the permanent closure of its Kotka pulp mill on May 20, according to sources familiar with the decision. The move comes amid overcapacity in the market and falling pulp prices that have pressured the company's operations in Finland. Union representatives have been called to a meeting ahead of the official announcement. The Kotka mill, which has an annual production capacity of 370,000 tonnes, employs 300 people directly and supports hundreds more in forestry and related industries. The closure would represent an economic blow to the Kotka region. Stora Enso has been restructuring its operations amid weak demand across Europe, with the company reporting a 40% drop in operating profit year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026. The pulp mill closure is part of broader efforts to align capacity with market conditions. Union sources confirm that a press conference is scheduled for May 20 at 10:00 local time, though Stora Enso has not yet issued an official comment. The announcement is expected to draw attention from employees, investors, and regional media outlets.