Vacon Plc, Nixu Ltd and F-Secure Corporation have worked together to produce a white paper on industrial automation security. The white paper has today been published on Vacon’s website at www.vacon.com.

There has been a lot of discussion about malware and security in industrial automation systems after Stuxnet. This white paper focuses on presenting a generic overview about security in industrial automation on the fieldbus and device level.

The standardization bodies in the information security field are presented, and activities in industrial automation security standardization are discussed.

Security aspects of traditional fieldbuses, industrial Ethernet-based networks and wireless communication technologies are presented. Challenges regarding data security in the field of industrial automation are also discussed. The properties of industrial automation devices are described with a focus on security, tampering possibilities, and risk mitigation methods.

The white paper also includes practical recommendations for improving information security in industrial processes.

Vacon Plc

You can also download the white paper in the link below

UPM to permanently close down the paper machine 3 at UPM Ettringen and to restructure overlapping operations in Germany

UPM will permanently close down the paper machine 3 at UPM Ettringen paper mill on 14 December 2011 as being uncompetitive. In addition, overlapping operations are being restructured in the supply chain, paper sales and functions in the Ettringen, Plattling and Hürth mills. The negotiations concerning reconciliation of interest and social plan are concluded at the German units except Albbruck.

The aim of the changes is to improve the profitability and cost-efficiency of UPM's paper business in Europe and to adapt the company's paper production to the needs of its global customer base.

The restructuring measures will affect 54 people at UPM Ettringen, 17 people at UPM Plattling and 7 people at UPM Hürth. Personnel reductions will start in January 2012.

During the negotiations concerning reconciliation of interest and social plan, issues such as pension schemes, support for re-employment, relocations within the company, re-training and compensations payments were discussed and agreed.

“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,” says Jyrki Ovaska, President, Paper Business Group.

Ecolab Inc. has announced the results of the stock-cash merger consideration elections made by the stockholders of the Nalco Holding Company in accordance with the terms of the merger agreement between Ecolab and Nalco. The merger of the companies was completed on December 1, 2011, and the stock-cash election deadline expired at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on December 7, 2011.

The exchange agent for the merger, Computershare Trust Company, N.A., has calculated that of the 139,377,163 shares of Nalco common stock outstanding as of the effective time of the merger, cash elections were made for 30,551,777 shares, or 21.9%, and stock elections were made for 103,713,533, or 74.4%. "No election" was made, or deemed to have been made, with respect to the remaining shares. In accordance with the terms of the merger agreement, "no election" shares were deemed to have made an election to receive cash merger consideration.

Based on the election results and the terms of the merger agreement:

• for Nalco shares for which cash elections were made or deemed to have been made, shareholders will receive 100% of their consideration in cash; and
• for Nalco shares for which stock elections were made, shareholders will receive approximately 94% of their consideration in shares of Ecolab common stock and the balance in cash.

In the aggregate, Ecolab will pay approximately $1.6 billion in cash and issue approximately 68.3 million shares of common stock pursuant to the merger.

AkzoNobel announces new bond and launches tender offer to improve the company’s debt maturity profile

AkzoNobel announced today that the company intends to issue a €800m euro bond with a seven year maturity, at a coupon of 4%. The announcement of the bond was well received by the market with an order book exceeding €3 billion.

AkzoNobel has simultaneously announced a tender offer to re-purchase an estimated €600 million of its previously issued bonds, specifically bonds set to mature in January 2014 (7.75 percent, €1 billion) and March 2015 (7.25 percent, €975 million).

The new bond issue and purchase of existing bonds will improve the overall debt profile of AkzoNobel, further reducing future refinancing risk and improving its maturity profile.

The buyback of company bonds will result in an accounting loss, which will be determined at the end of the tender process. However, this loss will be off-set by the significantly reduced coupon on the new seven year bond.

The new bonds will be issued by Akzo Nobel NV and will be listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange. Settlement is scheduled for December 15, 2011, and the bonds will mature on December 17, 2018.

AkzoNobel is committed to maintaining a strong investment grade rating. Currently the company has a BBB+ rating with Standard & Poor’s and a Baa1 rating with Moody’s.

For more details on the tender offer, please refer to the announcement relating to the tender offer published by Akzo Nobel N.V. and Akzo Nobel Sweden Finance AB (publ) on the website of the Luxembourg Stock Exchange dated December 8, 2011.

Further details of the outcome of the tender offer will be announced when completed.

Ecolab Inc. has announced it has completed its public offering of $3.75 billion aggregate principal amount of senior notes.

The senior unsecured notes include:

• $500 million of 2.375% notes due 2014
• $1.25 billion of 3.0% notes due 2016
• $1.25 billion of 4.35% notes due 2021
• $750 million of 5.5% notes due 2041

Ecolab expects to use the net proceeds from the offering to repay outstanding commercial paper borrowings, which were issued to finance a portion of the cash requirements relating to the acquisition ofNalco Holding Company, to refinance Nalco's outstanding senior notes, and for general corporate purposes, including to repurchase shares of its common stock.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any of the notes or any other security.

With 2011 annualized sales of $11 billion and more than 38,000 employees, Ecolab Inc. (NYSE: ECL) is the global leader in water, hygiene and energy technologies and services that provide and protect clean water, safe food, abundant energy and healthy environments. Ecolab delivers comprehensive programs and services to the food, energy, healthcare, industrial and hospitality markets in more than 160 countries. More Ecolab news and information is available at www.ecolab.com

This news release contains various "Forward-Looking Statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include statements concerning the use of the net proceeds of the senior notes offering, including the repayment of other borrowings and share repurchases. These statements, which represent Ecolab's expectations or beliefs concerning various future events, are based on current expectations that involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. We caution that undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

More detailed information about risks and uncertainties that may affect our operating results and business performance may be found in our and, prior to December 1, 2011, Nalco Holding Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including under Item 1A of reports filed on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q, and include the vitality of the markets we serve; the impact of worldwide economic factors such as the worldwide economy, credit markets, interest rates and foreign currency risk fluctuations in raw material and delivered product costs; our ability to develop competitive advantages through value, innovation and customer support; restraints on pricing flexibility due to contractual obligations; pressure on operations from consolidation of customers and vendors; our ability to promptly and effectively integrate the businesses of Ecolab and Nalco and to achieve the cost savings and synergies we anticipate from the Nalco acquisition within the expected time frame or at all; the Nalco acquisition may involve unexpected costs, unexpected liabilities or unexpected delays; the ability to acquire other complementary businesses and to effectively integrate such businesses; the costs and effects of complying with laws and regulations relating to the environment, including evolving climate change standards, and to the manufacture, storage, distribution, sale and use of our products, as well as to the conduct of our business generally, including employment and labor laws; the occurrence of litigation or claims; acts of war, terrorism or hostilities, natural or man-made disasters, water shortages or severe weather conditions which impact our markets; our ability to attract and retain high caliber management talent; and other risks or uncertainties reported from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. 

Södra decides in principle on record investments of SEK 2 billion for 2012

Södra's executive committee has set an appropriation limit which will permit a number of offensive investments in 2012. The decision was taken at a meeting held on 7 December 2011.

"In addition to earlier decisions concerning our participation in the development of wind power in 2012, we have now decided on an appropriation limit of SEK 1,895 million," said Group President Leif Brodén.

"This will now permit a number of offensive investments to be made. We are intending to continue investing in product improvements, but first and foremost we now perceive opportunities for further investments in bioenergy. We are taking into account an investment in Lignoboost at Södra Cell Mörrum which will involve a potential investment in new biomaterials in future, as well as making the mill fossil fuel-free. We are envisaging an investment in a new lime kiln at Värö, and we envisage even more pellet production capacity."

"It is important for us to make the most of the business opportunities available to us in bioenergy when our traditional products are finding things considerably more difficult."

Our budget also allows for another investment in textile pulp. The plan is to convert another pulp line for production of textile pulp.

"Hopefully we will have time to identify which of our lines is most suitable prior to the fourth quarter of 2012. Textile pulp offers major benefits in terms of quality, sustainability and ecology, and we believe we will see good growth in years to come. Production of textile pulp will be commencing at Södra Cell Mörrum in December this year."

The forecast results for 2011 indicate an operating profit of almost SEK 1 billion and a return of 10 per cent on capital employed.

"We are seeing a similar result level in our budget for 2012, with uncertain environmental factors," concluded Leif Brodén.

M-real’s result will weaken clearly in the 4Q 2011 and statutory negotiations to prepare for low delivery volumes will be started in Finland

M-real Corporation, a part of Metsäliitto Group, expected in connection to the 3Q 2011 result announcement that its operating result, excluding non-recurring items, will in the 4Q 2011 be roughly at the 3Q 2011 level. The 3Q 2011 operating result, excluding non-recurring items, was EUR 6 million.

The delivery volumes of pulp and paper have however been lower than expected and the pulp price has decreased more than anticipated. Also the board delivery volumes have been somewhat lower than expected as a result of rapid inventory reduction in different parts of the delivery chain. Due to these facts the 4Q 2011 operating result, excluding non-recurring items, will be clearly weaker than in 3Q 2011.

M-real starts statutory negotiations concerning all mills in Finland with the target to adapt the production temporarily for low volumes by temporary layoffs and working time arrangements. This is an anticipatory measure if no material improvement in the order volumes experienced in late 2011 emerges. Possible actions will be decided locally at the mills. All in all, the negotiations concern approximately 1.200 people.
“End demand of board seems to be at normal level and the reduced board deliveries seem to be a result of continuing inventory reduction in different parts of the delivery chain. Long-term demand and profitability outlook for board continues good, but M-real will in short-term prepare for low delivery volumes by enabling temporary layoffs at the Finnish mills. Finalization of the earlier announced measures to eliminate losses of Alizay mill, Speciality Papers and the coated paper business, expected in early 2012 the latest, will improve M-real’s results materially”, says CEO Mikko Helander.

M-real will publish the financial results for 2011 on 9 February 2012.

M-REAL CORPORATION

Paper-based packaging industry takes a commitment on mineral oils in food packaging

Recent studies on mineral oils found in foodstuffs have raised concerns about consumer safety. According to these studies, traces of mineral oils migrate to food from inks found on the printed surface of packaging and in recycled packaging papers.

Although no toxicological studies on the effects of human exposure to mineral oil traces currently exist, the paper-based packaging industry takes this matter very seriously and is proactively working to address any concerns.

Despite the absence of clear scientific and regulatory guidance the industry has already made significant progress towards reducing the levels of mineral oils contained in its processes and products. In some cases a reduction of up to 90% in mineral oil levels has been observed over the last 24 months.

To formalise and further strengthen its efforts to reduce the use of mineral oils, the industry has agreed on a European-wide self-commitment. This will phase out the use of printing inks based on mineral oils for printing paper and board packaging, and mineral oil-based process chemicals for food contact paper and board packaging material.

The European paper-based packaging industry is a pioneer in developing and setting standards[1][1] for food contact paper-based packaging. These standards have allowed the industry to minimise any incidents and enable it to respond to the latest scientific developments in a timely and effective way.

No single actor has an immediate and definitive solution to addressing concerns about mineral oil migration into food. The paper-based packaging industry is therefore committed to working with all relevant stakeholders to better understand, and identify the most practical and effective ways to address these concerns.

For the very first time, a prestigious award for members of the European Parliament (MEP Awards) carried a forestry theme. This one-off award highlighted the International Year of Forests 2011 and it was awarded to MEP Kriton Arsenis.

Mr Arsenis (S&D Greece) was recognised for his work as parliament rapporteur for the green paper on forest protection and information in the EU. Additionally, he encouraged many useful discussions regarding forests, climate change and sustainability in the European Parliament, involving different stakeholders.

CEPF and CEPI proudly sponsored the special forestry category in the MEP Awards 2011. Congratulations go to Mr Arsenis for raising the profile of the sector in EU policy discussions. The MEP Awards are widely recognized as the showcase event in the Parliament calendar.

"This award recognises for the first time the work that the European Parliament does for protecting one of our most precious renewable resources: trees. Their environmental role, their social benefits, and their economic value." stated Teresa Presas, CEPI Director General.

“We see this as a great opportunity to celebrate the United Nations International Year of Forests and to raise the MEP’s interest in forestry in general. We hope that the MEP Awards will create leadership and support in advancing the understanding and communicating the forest sector’s issues in the Parliamentarian debates”, underlined Dr Aljoscha Requardt, CEPF Secretary General.

The nominations were submitted by professional associations and interest groups working in EU affairs. The final voting was carried out among MEPs themselves in October. The winners of the award were announced at a ceremony on 29 November in Brussels.