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Ahlstrom Corporation, a leading supplier of fiber-based materials, today announces changes in its Business Area organization. The current Nonwovens Business Area will be divided into two parts to reflect the strong growth of Ahlstrom's Nonwovens business, especially in the wiping fabrics.
The new Business Areas will be named Home & Personal Nonwovens, covering mainly the former Wipes product line, and Advanced Nonwovens, incorporating the Food, Medical and Industrial Nonwovens businesses. The changes will take effect as from July 1, 2008.
The split will also allow the new Advanced Nonwovens Business Area to free resources and focus on profitable growth in high-value market segments.
Changes in the Corporate Executive Team will be made accordingly. Jean-Marie Becker, born 1957, B.Sc. (Tech.), will be appointed Senior Vice President, Home & Personal Nonwovens and member of the Corporate Executive Team. He has a long experience in the Nonwovens industry, and has been at Ahlstrom's service since 1980. Senior Vice President Claudio Ermondi, who has previously led the Nonwovens Business Area, will take the responsibility for the Advanced Nonwovens Business Area and continue as member of the Corporate Executive Team.
The reorganization has no effect on Ahlstrom's segment reporting, which continues to be reported in two parts: Fiber Composites and Specialty Papers. The two new Business Areas belong to the Fiber Composites segment.
As a result of the reorganization, Ahlstrom will have six Business Areas: Filtration, Advanced Nonwovens, Home & Personal Nonwovens, Glass Nonwovens, Technical Papers, and Release & Label Papers. Ahlstrom discloses quarterly net sales figures for each Business Area.
Ahlstrom Corporation Risto Anttonen, CEO
For further information, please contact: Risto Anttonen, CEO, tel. +358 (0)50 597 8400
Distribution: OMX Nordic Exchange Helsinki Main media www.ahlstrom.com
Ahlstrom in brief
Ahlstrom is a global leader in the development, manufacture and marketing of high performance fiber-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 fiber expertise and innovative approach, the company has a strong market position in several business areas in which it operates. Ahlstrom's 6,500 employees serve customers via sales offices and production facilities in more than 20 countries on six continents. In 2007, Ahlstrom's net sales amounted to EUR 1.8 billion. Ahlstrom's share is listed on the OMX Nordic Exchange Helsinki. The company website is www.ahlstrom.com.
