Ahlstrom Corporation Considers Shutdown of Paper Machine in Spain


Helsinki, Finland, 09 November 2009 -- Ahlstrom Corporation, a leading manufacturer of nonwovens and specialty papers, has today started a cooperation procedure on a possible closure of a paper machine for filtration materials at its manufacturing plant in Barcelona, Spain. The decision to start the cooperation procedure is based on a review related to Ahlstrom's global restructuring program launched in April and due to the global overcapacity in some filtration materials.

The negotiations with the representatives of the personnel concern all employees of the plant, excluding the sales office. The plant employs 92 persons, of whom 10 work at the sales office. The possible adjustments would result in a reduction of approximately 45 positions, affecting blue-collar and white-collar employees.

The Barcelona plant produces filtration media for transportation and liquid applications. In addition to the paper machine, the plant operates a saturator, slitter winders, liquid converters, and a warehouse, which are not affected by the planned adjustments.

Despite the possible adjustments, the Barcelona plant will continue to supply its local customers with the current product portfolio and service supported by Ahlstrom's plants in Turin, Italy, and Mount Holly Springs, Pennsylvania, USA. The Turin plant is the main manufacturing site of filtration materials for Ahlstrom's customers in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

In addition to Europe, Ahlstrom manufactures filtration media in North America, South America, and Asia.