Stockholm, Sweden 07 June 2018 -- Södra is divesting Södra Wood Kallinge and Södra Wood Umeå to the German company Sörnsen Holzleisten. The divestment date is 1 September 2018. Trade union negotiations in regard to the divestments will commence immediately.

Södra Wood Kallinge produces mouldings, panelling and solid wood flooring, and has about 80 employees. Södra Wood Umeå produces mouldings and panelling, and has about 20 employees. Scandinavia is the core market for both units.

"Last year, Södra Wood Grimslöv, UAB SIWood and Södra Wood AS were sold to Sörnsen. The operations in Kallinge and Umeå are now being sold to the same buyer. The acquisition of Kallinge and Umeå increases Sörnsen's market share, and with competitive production and our strong sales and distribution organisation, they will be able to move the interior business in a positive direction. The acquisition will make Sörnsen a stronger, more stable and more competitive company," said Peter Karlsson, Head of the Interiör business segment.

During spring and summer, Södra will be co-locating the Ronneby and Kallinge units in Kallinge. The investment and co-location will be finalised in connection with the divestment.

"The decision is part of the strategic direction that Södra Wood has chosen and helps us to focus more clearly on our other initiatives. Our investments have created favourable conditions for Sörnsen to further develop the business. Interior products are Sörnsen's core business, mouldings specifically, which means they will be better able to manage and develop the interior business in the market," said Peter Karlsson.

The buyer, Sörnsen Holzleisten, is the largest supplier of mouldings in Europe. The company was founded in 1945 and has multiple units in northern Germany, Estonia, Sweden and Lithuania. The company produces a wide range of mouldings, in a selection of woods, and sells them to countries all over the globe.

"Due to Södra's investments, the Kallinge and Umeå units will fit well with our structure. Moreover, sales are conducted in the markets where Sörnsen is planning to expand, so the acquisition works perfectly with our geographic expansion. The acquisition gives us proprietary production of panelling and solid flooring, and further strengthens our customer offering. The name of our Scandinavian business activities is S Wood. It symbolizes our local production and distribution in Sweden and Norway and thus represents a signal for all market participants: Rethink your sourcing strategy and co-operate with Scandinavian producers" said Robert Sörnsen, CEO of Sörnsen Holzleisten.

****

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES:

* We are looking for a Production Shift Team Leader to maintain high standards, plus ensure safety policies and regulations for a company located close to Chicago's Midway Airport. If you are experienced team leader who has a four-year degree in an engineering/technical field (paper science degree preferred, and experience in recycled linerboard or corrugating medium paper mills is a plus), we are looking for someone like you! If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Jim Thompson at: jthompson@taii.com Ph. 678-206-6010 Cell: 404-822-3412.

* A family owned and operated corrugated packaging solutions company in Illinois is looking for an experienced Maintenance Technician to maintain production and quality by ensuring operation of machinery and mechanical equipment. Relocation and other perks are available to the right candidate who is committed to working third shift. If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Jim Thompson at: jthompson@taii.com Ph. 678-206-6010 Cell: 404-822-3412.

* Are you an experienced Maintenance Mechanic and would like to work for a family owned and operated corrugated packaging solutions company that invests in the best equipment and technology? If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Jim Thompson at: jthompson@taii.com Ph. 678-206-6010 Cell: 404-822-3412.

* A leading company in the corrugated solutions packaging business is looking for a experienced Electrician. The right candidate will possess the following skills: electrical; hydraulic; automatic drives (basic component machines 122 to 440 bolts). If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Jim Thompson at: jthompson@taii.com Ph. 678-206-6010 Cell: 404-822-3412.

* An expanding company is looking for a Corporate Industrial Electro-Mechanical Engineer near Allentown, PA. Relocation is available. Do you have a storied list of unique electrical and mechanical engineering skills you're ready to take to the next level? Do you envision yourself in a corporate-level leadership role that your experience finally merits? And do you relish any opportunity to troubleshoot and solve real-time problems, all while designing and installing new services and systems that will not only ensure safety, but also turn a potentially hazardous work environment into a continuously thriving one? If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Jim Thompson at: jthompson@taii.com Ph. 678-206-6010 Cell: 404-822-3412.

* An expanding company is looking for hands-on Electro Mechanical Maintenance Techs in Conyers, Georgia. Preference will be given to candidates with higher education and additional certificates or training. You must be able to work any shift. Pay is negotiable with excellent perks and benefits. Relocation assistance is available to the right candidate. If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Jim Thompson at: jthompson@taii.com Ph. 678-206-6010 Cell: 404-822-3412.

****

Jim Thompson is back again...with a new book on a taboo subject: the personalities in the pulp & paper industry. Jim has written in the past on many subjects based on his four plus decades in the worldwide pulp and paper industry. This new book is packed full of information valuable to the senior member of the industry as well as the recent entrant. A must for every pulp and paper library.