Metsä Wood has announced the early closure of its veneer production facility in Suolahti, Finland, with operations set to cease approximately two months earlier than originally scheduled. The factory manager, Jouko Pussi, confirmed that the last veneer sheets will be processed in early June, whereas the factory was initially expected to continue production until late August. This decision has resulted in the layoff of 186 workers, predominantly locals from Äänekoski, where 109 of the laid-off employees reside.

The closure of the Suolahti veneer factory is part of a broader strategy by Metsä Group, which had already decided to shut down the factory in the fall of 2024. The koivu veneer plant had ceased operations in March 2025, indicating a significant reduction in local employment opportunities. The Suolahden plants employed nearly 400 people, but around 120 have transitioned to Metsä Wood's single-use processing plant in Äänekoski, which is set to start operations later this year. However, the future of the buildings housing the redundant factory remains uncertain.

Several factors contributed to the acceleration of the factory's closure, including the moderate demand for veneer and shortages in raw materials, particularly spruce logs. These changes in the market dynamics have prompted the company's decision to expedite the closure, reflecting perhaps a broader trend in the industry as it navigates challenges in supply and demand. Jouko Pussi indicated that the factory's customer base has been affected as well, underscoring the difficulties faced by the production sector in maintaining viability in a fluctuating market.