16/01/2007 As part of the new operating model, Metsä Tissue's supply chain process will be further strengthened and developed as a new function. Juhana Kalpio has been appointed as SVP, Supply Chain. "One of our key development issues is to improve customer focus and profitability. The reliability and effectiveness of supply chain is vitally important to our customers and thus to ourselves. Our capability to deliver on time and in full (OTIF) is one of the most important key performance indicators (KPI) of our whole operation. Our journey towards the best supply chain process in industry will not start from scratch as the platform already exists within the current Technology and Operations function (former Supply Team)", says Hannu Kottonen, CEO. The new function will be headed by Juhana Kalpio, SVP Supply Chain, with effect of no later than 31.3.2007. He becomes also a member of the Corporate Management Team. Kalpio joined Metsä Tissue last spring and is currently the acting Managing Director of Metsä Tissue UK. Prior to Metsä Tissue he worked several years in multiple positions for Instrumentarium Oyj and was actively involved in the integration work due to General Electric's acquisition of Instrumentarium. Kalpio will be based in Espoo. METSÄ TISSUE CORPORATION Further information: Hannu Kottonen, CEO +358 10 469 4959