FRANCE (News release) -- Ahlstrom has launched a consultation process with employee representatives at its Stenay plant in France about the possibility to divest the plant, and if a buyer cannot be found considering closure.

Stenay plant produces one-side coated specialty papers for specific uses in the packaging sector where there is overcapacity in Europe and competition with machines with a more competitive cost structure. The plant has an annual capacity of approximately 55,000 tons of specialty paper and has 127 employees.

Despite thorough review of different options and attempts to develop potential new products, Ahlstrom has not been able to find solutions that would enable the Group to continue operating the Stenay plant. Therefore, after having carefully studied all possible scenarios, Ahlstrom is now planning to divest the site and if a buyer cannot be found considering closure.