Ahlstrom has today issued a proposal to start cooperation procedure on temporary layoffs at its glass fibre plant in Karhula, Finland. The negotiations starting on Monday, June 1, 2009 will concern the whole personnel of the plant. The possible layoffs and already started efforts to make cost savings are targeted to adapt the production volumes of specialty reinforcements and glass fibre tissue to match the demand.

 The production reductions and cost saving efforts are estimated to result in temporary layoffs for approximately 150 persons at the Karhula plant. The duration of the temporary layoffs is estimated to be less than 90 days, and they are estimated to start during the fall of 2009.

Ahlstrom started production adjustments at its Karhula plant earlier this year, and the company has previously announced temporary layoffs for approximately 150 blue collar employees and majority of the white collar employees of the plant between March and August 2009.

Ahlstrom's plant in Karhula, Finland produces specialty reinforcements and glass fibre tissue. The plant is part of Ahlstrom's Glass & Industrial Nonwovens Business Area and employs approximately 400 people, of which roughly 300 are blue collar and roughly 100 are white collar employees.

Ahlstrom is a global leader in the development, manufacture and marketing of high performance fibre-based materials. Nonwovens and specialty papers, made by Ahlstrom, are used in a large variety of everyday products, such as filters, wipes, flooring, labels, and tapes. Based upon its unique fibre expertise and innovative approach, the company has a strong market position in several business areas in which it operates. Ahlstrom's 6,100 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.