25/04/2008 Metsä Tissue's turnover for the first quarter of 2008 totaled EUR 230 million (213) and operating profit EUR 9 million (6) Metsä Tissue's turnover for the first quarter of 2008 totaled EUR 230 million (213) and operating profit EUR 9 million (6). The turnover growth of 8 per cent over the previous year is partly explained by a growth in volume (2%) and partly due to a price/mix improvement (6%). The businesses managed to continue increasing prices and thereby partly reducing the negative impact of the high raw material costs. Sales of the company's own brands - especially Lambi, Serla and Katrin - continued to grow strongly. Fluctuations in exchange rates, especially the weakening of the US dollar and British Pound, had a negative impact on turnover and operating profit. Production losses due to the warehouse fire in Zilina were smaller than expected; however, the fire may affect sales through cancelled campaigns and temporary loss of shelf space. The central and eastern European tissue paper markets continue to grow faster than other markets, especially in Russia where the demand is developing at a rapid pace. Metsä Tissue is continuing its projects to reduce complexity especially in the areas of logistics and production. Energy-saving projects and reducing emissions are also high on the agenda.