Metsä Tissue's result 2008 Sales increased by 8% year on year 

Metsä Tissue’s sales totalled EUR 930 million (861), and EBIT was EUR 42 million (35). The steady development of Metsä Tissue’s own brands, customer label offering as well as efficiency programs contributed to the improvement of the result.

Sales increased by 8% year on year. Growth was promoted by an increase in sales volumes (3%), increasing selling prices and changes in product mix (5%). “The company’s long term commitment to consistent brand building is also shown in the result,” comments Hannu Kottonen, CEO. “The sales of Metsä Tissue's own brands increased by 12% in comparison to the previous year and, for example, Lambi’s strong success continued. The invoicing for the brand exceeded EUR 100 million.”

The result includes one-time expenses amounting to approximately EUR 5 million due to the closure of the Bork warehouse in Germany. Additionally, there were one-time insurance related income and costs connected with a warehouse fire in Zilina, Slovakia.

Exchange rate development – the weakened British pound, Swedish crown and US dollar in particular – had a negative impact on sales and EBIT. Part of the negative effects caused by higher raw material, energy and transportation costs were successfully minimised by continuous improvement programs.

“The general economic uncertainty is not expected to have a considerable impact on the demand for tissue and cooking paper. However, it is expected that the growth in emerging markets, in particular, will slow down,” states Markus Holm, CFO. The demand for Away-from-Home products may weaken due to the decrease in travel and services purchasing. On the other hand, the same trend may increase the demand for consumer products. The raw material cost inflation will reverse.

Metsä Tissue continues to invest in its strong brands. Both product and service offering will be developed further. Efficiency improvements of both production and business operations will stay in focus. Business development in eastern Europe continues.

Metsä Tissue’s Result 2006-2008