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Valmet to restructure fabrics unit with possible production line move

Valmet is restructuring its fabrics business unit, which the company says will ensure the unit’s profitability and future competitiveness.

The company’s preliminary plan is to move its dryer fabric and wide-filter fabric production from Tampere, Finland to Valmet’s operations in Portugal, which may result in up to 90 employees losing their jobs by 2021.

Valmet started co-determination negotiations in the fabrics operations this week, estimated to last six weeks. In addition to the possible reduction of staff, there may be possible temporary lay-offs and part-time work during 2020. The fabrics unit employs approximately 500 persons in Tampere.

The Tampere unit develops and manufactures press felts, shoe press belts, dryer fabrics and wide filter fabrics.

Valmet’s location in Portugal currently manufactures filter fabrics and other industrial textiles.