UPM continues to invest in the fast-growing labelstock business. UPM's Raflatac will build a world class pressure sensitive labelstock production facility in Changshu, adjacent to UPM's existing paper mill in the Jiangsu province, China. Raflatac targets to become the preferred supplier of pressure sensitive labelstock in the region by providing its full product range and highest quality service also in China. For UPM the investment means enhanced and more diversified presence in the Chinese market. The total value of the investment is approximately USD 40 million.
Raflatac will start to apply permits for the new factory immediately and the target is to get the factory up and running at the beginning of 2007. Raflatac's current production facility in Shanghai will be closed after the start-up of the new Changshu factory.
"The announced investment highlights our ambition to become the preferred supplier of pressure sensitive labelstock in the world. We want to be able to provide our offering globally in all key markets. We expect the demand for pressure sensitive labelstock in China to grow strongly in the coming years driven by both strong export industry and quickly developing domestic consumer goods market", says Heikki Pikkarainen, President of Raflatac.
"This investment is a demonstration of our strong, long-term commitment to the Chinese market. Our new facility will form an excellent basis for us to provide top quality products and best-in-class service in order to help our Chinese customers grow their businesses, "says Jussi Vanhanen, Senior Vice President, Raflatac Asia Pacific.
For further information, please contact:
Mr Heikki Pikkarainen, President, Raflatac, tel.+358 40 760 5758
Mr Jussi Vanhanen, Senior Vice President, Raflatac Asia-Pacific, tel. +86 1381 6117447
UPM
Corporate Communications
September 12, 2005
