UPM to expand its seedling production in Finland and Uruguay

(UPM, Helsinki, 23.2.2011 at 10.00) - UPM expands its nursery in Joroinen, Finland and builds a second nursery in Uruguay. These expansions secure the availability of high quality seedlings and seed material, which is the basis for successful tree cultivation both for the boreal forests as the plantations in the southern hemisphere.

The expansion of the Joroinen nursery includes a new greenhouse to be taken into use during summer 2011. The first seedlings from the new greenhouse will be planted in the UPM-owned forests and in the forests of the forest service customers during the 2012 planting season. Joroinen nursery was founded in 1980 and it employs about 30 persons during the peak time.

Forestal Oriental, UPM’s plantation company in Uruguay, builds a new nursery in Guichón, in the department of Paysandu. The new nursery is estimated to be ready in March 2012 and it will employ about 100 people. 

Forestal Oriental produces seedlings of two different eucalyptus species – Eucalyptus grandis from cuttings and Eucalyptus dunnii mainly from seeds. The new nursery enables the production of Eucalyptus dunnii from rooted cuttings. Forestal Oriental’s San Francisco nursery in Paysandu continues its operation.

For more information please contact:

Regarding Joroinen: Ms Anne Immonen, Manager, Joroinen nursery, telephone +358 204 160 951
Regarding Uruguay: Mr Javier Solari, Vice President, Forestal Oriental, telephone +598 98402738

Forestal Oriental is UPM's plantation company in Uruguay. It has been operating since 1990. The head offices are located in the cities of Paysandú and Montevideo. Forestal Oriental is focused on the sustainable production of eucalyptus in Uruguay. The company owns about 225,000 hectares of land, out of which about 135,000 ha is used for plantations. The majority of the wood harvested is supplied to UPM Fray Bentos pulp mill.

UPM leads the integration of bio and forest industries into a new, sustainable and innovation-driven future. Our products are made of renewable raw materials and are recyclable. UPM consists of three Business Groups: Energy and pulp, Paper, and Engineered materials. The Group employs around 22,000 people and it has production plants in 15 countries. In 2010, UPM's sales amounted to EUR 8.9 billion. UPM's shares are listed on the Helsinki stock exchange. 

UPM – The Biofore Company – www.upm.com