The paper machine will be closed down by the end of this year. At the same time, M-real will start to use the plant for other production or transfer some aspects to Sweden.
M-real says it will work in co-operation with local officials to help those made redundant find alternative work possibly also within the Metsäliitto group.
M-real CEO Matti Mörsky said the company aims to improve the profitability of its coated paper operations. He noted that demand for grades manufactured at Äänekoski had declined in recent years.