Itochu Corporation and Metsä Spring – the venture capital arm of Metsä Group – decided on 1 October 2018 to establish a 50:50 joint venture, MI Demo Ltd. The main objective of MI Demo is to further develop a novel technology, by which Metsä Group’s paper-grade pulp is converted into textile fibres. The endeavour has passed an important milestone, namely the outer structure, including the roof of the new demo plant building in Äänekoski, Finland, is now in place. Hence, a topping-out ceremony, a feast held among the builders of the plant, was thus organised on 14 March in Äänekoski.
The investment project to build the demo plant is progressing in line with the project plan, i.e. start-up of textile fibre production is expected to take place at the end of this year. The joint venture has, in parallel, also initiated the recruitment of personnel to run the demo plant.
For further information please contact:
Niklas von Weymarn, CEO, Metsä Spring Ltd, tel. +358 40 547 6977
Pertti Tiitola, Plant Manager, MI Demo Ltd, tel. +358 40 502 6328