2009-11-06 17:05:00 CET

2009-11-06 17:06:30 CET


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Ahlstrom - Corporate Action

Ahlstrom negotiates on closing down paper machine in Barcelona



Ahlstrom Corporation STOCK EXCHANGE RELEASE 6.11.2009

Ahlstrom Corporation, a leading manufacturer of nonwovens and
specialty papers, has today started a cooperation procedure on a
possible closure of a paper machine for filtration materials at its
manufacturing plant in Barcelona, Spain. The decision to start the
cooperation procedure is based on a review related to Ahlstrom's
global restructuring program launched in April and due to the global
overcapacity in some filtration materials.

The negotiations with the representatives of the personnel concern
all employees of the plant excluding the sales office. The plant
employs 92 persons, of whom 10 work at the sales office. The possible
adjustments are estimated to result in a reduction of approximately
45 positions impacting both blue-collar and white-collar employees.

The Barcelona plant produces filtration media for transportation and
liquid applications. In addition to the paper machine, the plant
operates a saturator, slitter winders, liquid converters and a
warehouse, which are not impacted by the planned adjustments.

Despite the possible adjustments, the Barcelona plant will continue
to supply its local customers with the current product portfolio and
service supported by Ahlstrom's plants in Turin, Italy, and Mount
Holly Springs, USA. The Turin plant is the main manufacturing site of
filtration materials for Ahlstrom's customers in Europe, Middle East
and Africa.

In addition to Europe, Ahlstrom manufactures filtration media in
North and South America as well as in Asia.

For further information, please contact:

Tommi Björnman
Senior Vice President, Filtration
Tel. +39 011 92 60 224
Mobile +39 349 441 1034

Seppo Parvi
CFO
Tel. +358 10 888 4768


Distribution:
Main media
www.ahlstrom.com


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.