Ahlstrom to close its Ascoli plant in Italy

Ahlstrom Corporation STOCK EXCHANGE RELEASE 30.10.2007

Ahlstrom, a global leader in high performance fiber-based materials, has completed the review process of its Ascoli plant in Italy. The company has decided to close the Ascoli plant due to unsatisfactory long-term profitability and cash flow. Negotiations with the trade unions regarding the closure have been started. Ahlstrom estimates to book a non-recurring cost of approximately EUR 15 million in its fourth quarter result in 2007 due to the closure.

The closure, effective by mid-January 2008, will affect approximately 200 employees and reduce annual production capacity of one-side coated papers by 65,000 tons. Ahlstrom strives to minimize the impact of the closure on both its employees and customers.

On October 10, 2007, Ahlstrom announced that it would put the Italian Ascoli and the French Chantraine plant under review due to unsatisfactory profitability and cash flow. Both plants are part of Ahlstrom's Release & Label Papers business area. The review process of the Chantraine plant is still ongoing and its results will be announced in due course.

Ahlstrom Corporation

Jukka Moisio, President & CEO

For further information, please contact:

Jukka Moisio, President & CEO, Ahlstrom Corporation, tel. +358 (0)10 888 4700
Daniele Borlatto, Senior Vice President, Release & Label Papers, tel. +39 348 600 9837

Distribution:
Helsinki Stock Exchange
Main media
www.ahlstrom.com

Ahlstrom in brief

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 2006, Ahlstrom's net sales amounted to EUR 1.6 billion. Ahlstrom's share is listed on the Helsinki Stock Exchange. The company website is www.ahlstrom.com.

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