Ahlstrom reinforces its focus on wallcoverings
Ahlstrom Corporation PRESS RELEASE April 5, 2013 at 10.00
Ahlstrom, a global high performance fiber-based materials company, strengthens its focus on wallcoverings by continuing to invest in product development and production. Ahlstrom is a world leader in the production of materials for wallcoverings.
As part of Ahlstrom EasyLife(TM) product offering, Ahlstrom has developed a nonwoven wallcovering substrate at its Osnabrück plant in Germany. The products have been very well received by customers, and the product range will be expanded during this year with a number of new product launches.
In line with these product developments, an investment program has been carried out to ensure the high quality standards and efficiency needed. "We are fully committed to serving our customers from Osnabrück as well as developing the nonwoven product offering further and completing ongoing investments on the production line at the plant," says Laura Raitio, Executive Vice President, Building and Energy.
Ahlstrom is a global leader in wallcover substrates, offering the most comprehensive product range on the market. Its materials are manufactured in Europe and North America and are part of Ahlstrom's Building and Energy business area. In order to further support the development of the Chinese wallcovering market, Ahlstrom will start manufacturing nonwoven wallcover substrates in Binzhou, Shandong province in China. Production of the high quality and innovative wallcover substrates will start during the second half of 2013.
Additionally, Ahlstrom is investing in Malmedy, Belgium, to produce embossed substrates for digital print applications. This will offer enhanced design possibilities to customers.
Ahlstrom is in the process of demerging its Label and Processing business and merging it with Munksjö AB. The transaction is under the European Commission's review with respect to abrasive backings and pre-impregnated decor paper. The transaction has no effect on Ahlstrom's commitment to provide leading-edge product offerings in wallcoverings and other key focus areas in high performance fiber-based materials.
For more information, please contact:
Liisa Nyyssönen
Vice President, Communications
Tel. +358 10 888 4757
Ahlstrom in brief
Ahlstrom is a high performance fiber-based materials company, partnering with leading businesses around the world to help them stay ahead. Our products are used in a large variety of everyday applications, such as filters, medical gowns and drapes, diagnostics, wallcoverings, flooring and food packaging. We have a leading market position in the businesses in which we operate. In 2012, Ahlstrom's net sales from the continuing operations (excluding Label and Processing business) amounted to EUR 1 billion. Our 3,800 employees serve customers in 28 countries on six continents. Ahlstrom's share is quoted on the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki. More information available at www.ahlstrom.com.