16/05/2007 The EUR 15 million investment project of Finnforest to build an upgrading mill for birch plywood alongside the Suolahti plywood mill is progressing in schedule. Porrokki Oy from Äänekoski, Finland has been selected as the main contractor for the construction project. The construction work for the upgrading mill has begun with excavation in May. In the summer the construction work will continue with casting of foundations and pillars. Production machinery installation will begin in November or December. The upgrading mill will begin operation in the beginning of 2008. At this time, products based on the new overlaying technology and king-size plywood boards for industrial customers will also be introduced. The annual production capacity of the upgrading mill will be between 25,000 and 30,000 m3. Investing in new plywood upgrading technologies is in line with Finnforest strategy, which emphasizes the combination of Nordic premium timber with know-how to increase the added value that it can bring to customers' business. Finnforest's goal is to become a leading plywood supplier for demanding industrial end uses. Further information: Johanna Kankkunen, Marketing and Communications, tel. +358 50 350 4005