Ahlstrom concludes personnel negotiations at its Altenkirchen plant in Germany
Ahlstrom Corporation PRESS RELEASE 7.12.2009 at 11.00
Ahlstrom Corporation, leading supplier of nonwovens and specialty papers, has concluded the personnel negotiations started on October 6 at its Altenkirchen plant in Germany. The negotiations concerned the whole personnel of the plant, a total of 160 persons.
As a result of the negotiations, Ahlstrom will implement personnel reductions at the plant in two phases. By the end of 2009, the number of personnel will be reduced by 34 positions, impacting both blue-collar and white-collar employees. The layoffs will be implemented as of December 7.
The second phase of adjustments will take place in 2010 and could result in a further reduction of up to 30 positions. During this period, the plant will also continue to adjust the production volumes to the demand through a specific temporary layoff system available in Germany.
Ahlstrom will offer an outplacement service to the laid off personnel.
The adjustment actions are part of the Group restructuring program under way globally. The non-recurring items related to the adjustments are included in the total amount of EUR 34 million announced to be booked in the financial results of Ahlstrom Group in 2009.
The Altenkirchen plant currently employs approximately 160 people, of which 117 are blue-collar and 43 are white-collar employees.
Ahlstrom's plant in Altenkirchen is part of the company's Technical Papers business area. The main production of this site consists of sealing and shielding materials as well as base paper for calender bowls. Those specialty materials are used for automotive, building and industrial applications.
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Ahlstrom in brief
Ahlstrom is a global leader in the development, manufacture and marketing of high performance nonwovens and specialty papers. Ahlstrom's products are used in a large variety of everyday applications, 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 6,000 employees serve customers via sales offices and production facilities in more than 20 countries on six continents. In 2008, Ahlstrom's net sales amounted to EUR 1.8 billion. Ahlstrom's share is quoted on the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki. The company website is at www.ahlstrom.com.