Ahlstrom to double its production capacity for specialty reinforcements in the USA
Ahlstrom Corporation STOCK EXCHANGE RELEASE 13.12.2007
Ahlstrom to double its production capacity for specialty reinforcements in the USA
Ahlstrom, a global leader in high performance fiber-based materials, announced today that it plans to double its production capacity for specialty glassfiber reinforcements in the USA to meet the fast growing demand especially within the wind energy markets. The capacity increase will be implemented in two phases by the end of 2011, and the total investment value is estimated to be approximately EUR 7 million.
In the first phase Ahlstrom will invest approximately EUR 3 million in 2008 and install new machinery at the facility. The second phase, in 2009-2011 will include new production lines, and the investment value is estimated to be approximately EUR 4 million. In North America, the annual growth in demand for reinforcements is expected to be 20% for the wind energy sector and 5% in the marine markets. The Bishopville facility currently serves both the North and South American reinforcement markets and will support the expansion of Ahlstrom's glass nonwovens production into Asia.
"We are pleased to see that our current and potential customers appreciate our presence in the American market. These investments will strengthen our commitment and support the growth in the wind and marine industries", says Tommi Björnman, Senior Vice President, Glass Nonwovens.
Ahlstrom Corporation
Jukka Moisio, President & CEO
For further information, please contact:
Tommi Björnman, Senior Vice President, Glass Nonwovens, tel. +358 50 526 1607
Wayne Merritt, General Manager, Specialty Reinforcements, tel. +1 803 423 6125
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Helsinki Stock Exchange
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