The move will lead to temporary lay-offs but no redundancies are expected.
Global demand for both viscose and dissolving pulp has exceeded supply due to high prices for cotton, and Avilon will not be able to sustain profitable production volumes. Negotiations with selected suppliers are ongoing and production is expected to restart in July 2011 at the latest.
In addition, based on continuously growing demand for viscose fiber, Avilon has decided to ramp up output with a second production line, expected to be operational in August.
The Valkeakoski plant opened in January 2011 and produced 4200 ton of viscose fiber in the first quarter.