Ahlstrom, a high performance fiber-based materials company, today announced that it will start on October 16, 2014, co-operation negotiations with employee representatives at its Kauttua production line in Finland as part of its earlier announced rightsizing program. The negotiations will affect the whole personnel at the site and may lead to personnel reductions or temporary lay-offs. The aim of the negotiations is to evaluate ways to adjust Ahlstrom's production capacity and costs to the prevailing overcapacity on the global masking tape markets.

The Kauttua plant manufactures base paper for masking tape. The markets for masking tape have significant overcapacity globally, especially in Europe. Ahlstrom manufactures base paper for masking tape also in Pont Audemer, France and Longkou, China.

The Kauttua production line is part of Ahlstrom's Food Business Area and it employs approximately 20 employees. The negotiations are expected to be completed by early December 2014.

Ahlstrom in brief
Ahlstrom is a high performance fiber-based materials company, partnering with leading businesses around the world to help them stay ahead. We aim to grow with a product offering for clean and healthy environment. Our materials are used in everyday applications such as filters, medical fabrics, life science and diagnostics, wallcoverings and food packaging. In 2013, Ahlstrom's net sales from the continuing operations amounted to EUR 1 billion. Our 3,500 employees serve customers in 24 countries. Ahlstrom's share is quoted on the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki. More information available at www.ahlstrom.com.