Ahlstrom announces further restructurings and gives preliminary information on 2008 results

Ahlstrom Corporation STOCK EXCHANGE RELEASE 7.1.2009

 

 

Ahlstrom Corporation announces that it will take further restructuring measures in order to adjust its operations to the weakening demand. The company is planning plant closures in Italy and temporary and permanent layoffs worldwide.

 

In Italy, Ahlstrom has started negotiations with the representatives of the personnel on a permanent closure of its Gallarate and Carbonate sites, as well as on a closure of one production line in Cressa. The measures will be implemented gradually starting from the first quarter of 2009, with an estimated reduction impact of approximately 60 employees. All three sites produce nonwoven wiping fabrics.

 

In Finland, Ahlstrom has issued a proposal to start negotiations with the personnel representatives in Karhula, Mikkeli and Tampere. In Karhula and Mikkeli the negotiations may lead to temporary layoffs for approximately 250 persons and the possibility of permanent layoffs cannot be excluded. In Tampere the negotiations may lead to temporary layoffs for approximately 60 persons. Ahlstrom's plants in Karhula and Mikkeli produce glass nonwovens products, and they employ altogether 560 people. Tampere plant produces filtration materials, and employs 60 people.

 

In addition, Ahlstrom has started the process of reducing personnel at several plants globally. The adjustments concern personnel both in the Specialty Papers and the Fiber Composites segments. It is anticipated that the measures will result in a reduction of approximately 150 employees.

 

Despite these restructuring actions Ahlstrom will continue serving its customers as usual.

 

 

Related to the actions, Ahlstrom books a non-recurring restructuring charge of EUR 7 million in its fourth quarter of 2008.

 

In addition, Ahlstrom will book a non-cash write-down on goodwill and tangible assets of EUR 16 million, mostly related to nonwoven wiping fabrics.

 

The distribution of above mentioned restructuring charges and write-downs of EUR 23 million by reporting segment is the following: Specialty Papers EUR 2 million and Fiber Composites EUR 21 million.

 

According to preliminary information, Ahlstrom's full year operating profit for 2008 will be approximately EUR 40 million (EUR 68 million in 2007) excluding non-recurring items. Including the above mentioned restructuring measures and write-downs, the operating profit will be approximately EUR 17 million.

 

Net sales in 2008 are estimated to be approximately EUR 1,800 million (EUR 1,761 million in 2007).

 

Ahlstrom issues the financial statements bulletin 2008 on February 5, 2009.

 

Ahlstrom Corporation
Jan Lång
President & CEO

 

Further information:

Ahlstrom Corporation

Deputy CEO Risto Anttonen, Tel. +358 10 888 4166

CFO Jari Mäntylä, Tel. +358 10 888 4768

 

 

NASDAQ OMX Helsinki

Main media

www.ahlstrom.com

 

 

Ahlstrom is a global leader in the development, manufacture and marketing of high performance fiber-based materials. Nonwovens and specialty papers, made by Ahlstrom, are used in a large variety of everyday products, 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 6,500 employees serve customers via sales offices and production facilities in more than 20 countries on six continents. In 2007, Ahlstrom's net sales amounted to EUR 1.8 billion. Ahlstrom's share is quoted on the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki. The company website is www.ahlstrom.com.