Ahlstrom to add new production line in China to serve dust filtration markets

Ahlstrom Corporation STOCK EXCHANGE RELEASE 27.10.2006 at 11.00

Ahlstrom, a leader in high-performance fiber-based materials, announced today that it will be adding a new needlepunch line to its Wuxi facility located close to Shanghai, China to serve the growing dust filtration market in Asia.

The investment, valued at approximately USD 5 million (EUR 4 million), will be completed in the third quarter of 2007. The new line will manufacture a variety of needlepunch nonwoven media targeted mainly at high temperature applications for the dust filtration market. By adding these capabilities, Ahlstrom will increase its participation in this very dynamic segment of the filtration industry.

"The demand for these products is growing in Asia and particularly in China" commented Randal Davis, Senior Vice President, Filtration. "With the industrial and power generation growth of the region and requirements for clean emissions, dust filtration is a market segment with double digit growth. We expect to become a significant player in this segment supplying a variety of technical products, especially in the higher-end, high temperature applications."

The line will more than double the capacity of Ahlstrom's Wuxi facility in China, acquired less than a year ago, where it currently operates one line serving this market segment.

Ahlstrom's Filtration business area is a leading manufacturer of filtration materials used in air, liquid and transportation applications with 12 production sites across four continents.

For further information, please contact:

Jukka Moisio, President and CEO, Ahlstrom Corporation, tel. + 358 10 888 4700
Randal Davis, Senior Vice President, Filtration +1 860 654 8320, randal.davis@ahlstrom.com

Jerome Barrillon, Director Marketing, Filtration, +1 860 654 8607, jerome.barrillon@ahlstrom.com

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, e.g. in filters, wipes, flooring, labels, and tapes. The company has a strong market position in several business areas in which it operates, built upon the company's unique fiber expertise and innovative approach. Ahlstrom's 5,800 employees serve customers via sales offices and production facilities in more than 20 countries on six continents. In 2005, Ahlstrom's net sales amounted to EUR 1.55 billion. Ahlstrom's share is listed on the main list of the Helsinki Stock Exchange. The company website is www.ahlstrom.com.

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