Ahlstrom negotiates on paper machine closure in Barcelona

Ahlstrom, a manufacturer of nonwovens and specialty papers, has started a cooperation procedure on a possible closure of a paper machine for filtration materials at its manufacturing plant in Barcelona, Spain. The decision 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 representatives of the personnel concern all employees of the plant excluding the sales office. The plant employs 92 persons, of whom ten work at the sales office. The 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.  

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