Ahlstrom plans to continue production adjustments at its Karhula plant in Finland

Ahlstrom Corporation PRESS RELEASE 14.9.2009

 

Ahlstrom has today issued a proposal to start cooperation procedure at its plant in Karhula, Finland. The negotiations starting on Tuesday, September 22, 2009 will concern the whole personnel of the plant. The adjustments are estimated to result in a reduction of approximately 100 positions and the continuation of temporary layoffs at the Karhula plant. The actions are targeted to adapt the production volumes of specialty reinforcements and glassfiber tissue to match the demand.

 

The cost savings, reorganization of operations and production adjustments are estimated to result in a reduction of approximately 70 blue-collar and approximately 30 white-collar employees. Additionally the company negotiates about temporary layoffs for approximately 80 employees. The company management is also considering outsourcing the plant's warehouse and maintenance functions.

 

Ahlstrom's plant in Karhula, Finland, is part of the company's Glass & Industrial Nonwovens business area. The plant employs approximately 360 employees, of which 260 are blue-collar and 100 are white-collar employees.

 

Ahlstrom has adjustment actions under way globally. These actions are targeted to adapt production volumes to match the demand and review the company's cost structure.

 

 

Pekka Helynranta, Managing Director, Ahlstrom's Karhula plant
Tel. +358 (0)10 888 2606

 

 

Main media

www.ahlstrom.com

 

 

Ahlstrom is a global leader in the development, manufacture and marketing of high performance nonwovens and specialty papers. Ahlstrom's products are used in a large variety of everyday applications, such as filters, wipes, flooring, labels, and tapes. Based upon its unique fiber expertise and innovative approach, the company has a strong market position in several business areas in which it operates. Ahlstrom's 6,000 employees serve customers via sales offices and production facilities in more than 20 countries on six continents. In 2008, Ahlstrom's net sales amounted to EUR 1.8 billion. Ahlstrom's share is quoted on the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki. The company website is at www.ahlstrom.com.