Having deemed the paper mill "uncompetitive", UPM will turn the machine off for the last time on December 14.

At the same time it will consolidate its paper sales and supply chain at the Ettringen, Plattling and Hürth mills.

According to the company, the restructuring measures will affect 54 people at Ettringen, 17 employees at Plattling and seven members of staff at Hürth, with reductions beginning in January 2012.

Jyrki Ovaska, president, paper business group at UPM, said: "The restructuring measures are extremely unfortunate for the affected employees.

"However, it’s important to face the realities and to look ahead. UPM will support the affected employees in finding a new job."

Ettringen produces uncoated magazine papers and newsprint. The three lines at the plant produce 600,000 tonnes of paper per annum. Founded in 1897, the plant employs 530 staff.