Stora Enso to cut 115 jobs at Brand sawmill

Stora Enso plans to close one of two production lines at its sawmill in Brand, in Zwettl district, affecting 115 employees. The Finnish-Swedish forestry company confirmed the job cuts to ORF on Tuesday; 250 positions are affected across Europe.

The company’s strategic review, announced in 2025, covered seven sawmills in Austria, the Czech Republic, Poland and Lithuania, three cross-laminated timber plants, wood procurement, and international sales and distribution. Stora Enso said it had identified ways to improve profitability and would keep the business while optimising operations.

The small-diameter timber production line in Brand is due to close in spring. Employees were informed on Tuesday and are to be registered with Austria’s Public Employment Service. Stora Enso also plans to negotiate a social plan with the works council. The line would have required significant investment, the company said. Wood procurement and the mill’s other production line will continue as usual, while customers supplied by the closing line will receive products from other mills.

Stora Enso cited persistently difficult market conditions and rising production costs. Chief Executive Hans Sohlström said the company would continue measures to improve profitability and competitiveness while adjusting the size of its organisation to economic conditions.