Ahlstrom Plans Divestment of Stenay Plant to Address Packaging Sector Challenges

Ahlstrom Plans Divestment of Stenay Plant to Address Packaging Sector Challenges

(IN BRIEF) Finnish specialty paper maker Ahlstrom is considering the possibility of divesting its Stenay plant in France, which produces one-side coated specialty papers for specific uses in the packaging sector. The plant has an annual capacity of around 55,000 tons of specialty paper and employs 127 people. Despite attempts to develop new products, Ahlstrom has not been able to find solutions that would allow the Group to continue operating the plant. Ahlstrom has launched a consultation process with employee representatives at the plant and is considering divesting or closing it if a buyer cannot be found.

(PRESS RELEASE) HELSINKI, 13-Mar-2023 — /EuropaWire/ — Ahlstrom, a global leader in fiber-based materials founded in 1851, has announced the launch of a consultation process with employee representatives at its Stenay plant in France regarding the possible divestment of the plant. If a buyer cannot be found, closure will be considered.

Stenay plant produces specialty papers with one-side coating for specific applications in the packaging sector. However, due to overcapacity in Europe and competition with more cost-competitive machines, the plant is facing challenges. The plant has an annual capacity of approximately 55,000 tons of specialty paper and employs 127 people.

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 has decided to plan the divestment of the site.

The consultation process with employee representatives will provide an opportunity for discussion and feedback on the potential divestment of the plant. Ahlstrom is committed to providing support to the employees during this process and to conducting the divestment in a responsible manner.

“We understand that this is a difficult time for our employees at Stenay, and we will do our utmost to evaluate all viable alternatives for the site to mitigate possible unfavorable social impacts. Should we be unable to find a solution, we would work closely together with other Ahlstrom locations, the city of Stenay, the Meuse locality and other stakeholders to support all potentially affected employees”, says Mark Ushpol, EVP, Food and Consumer Packaging division.

For further information, please contact:

Katja Ollila, VP, Group Marketing and Communications, katja.ollila@ahlstrom.com, tel. +358 44 517 0891

Ahlstrom in brief
Ahlstrom is a global leader in combining fibers into sustainable specialty materials. Our purpose is to Purify and Protect, with Every Fiber, for a Sustainable World. Our vision is to be the Preferred Sustainable Specialty Materials Company for all our stakeholders. We serve five growing and distinctive end markets, which form the basis for our five divisions: Filtration, Food & Consumer Packaging, Healthcare, Building Materials, and Technical Materials. Our net sales 2022 for continuing operations amounted to EUR 3.3 billion and we employ some 7,000 people. Read more at www.ahlstrom.com

SOURCE: AHLSTROM OYJ