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Huhtamaki will discontinue flexible packaging production in Malvern, USA, due to low volumes and unsatisfactory profitability. Huhtamaki's Films production in the same location is profitable and will continue.
A restructuring process will start at the Malvern facility and approximately 80 employees will be impacted. The site employs a total of 160 people. Huhtamaki will take an approximately EUR 18 million one-time charge in the fourth quarter 2008 to discontinue the loss-making Malvern Flexibles operation. The charge is mostly non-cash and the action will improve Flexibles and Films Global segment's ongoing profitability and cash flow.
Due to changes in the retort market in North America the market share of wet pet food has declined and the volume and profitability expectations for Malvern Flexibles have not been reached. Huhtamaki will continue to serve the North American customers with flexible packaging from other regions. The Group has 10 flexible packaging production units located in Europe, Asia, South America and Oceania. The most recent capacity expansion investments have been made in India and Thailand.
"As part of Huhtamaki's strategic growth plan and the Films business success in serving the North American market, the site in Malvern will be dedicated to Films. This move will support the growth of our Films business in North America and strengthens our position to enter new markets and applications from a local supply base", says CEO Jukka Moisio.
For further information please contact: Mr. Timo Salonen, CFO, Tel. +358(0)10 686 7880, available between 2 - 5 pm Finnish time on November 4, 2008 Ms. Kia Aejmelaeus, Head of Investor Relations, Tel. +358 (0)10 686 7819
HUHTAMÄKI OYJ Group Communications
Huhtamaki Group is a leading manufacturer of consumer and specialty packaging with 2007 net sales totaling EUR 2.3 billion. Consumer goods and foodservice markets are served by some 15,000 people in 65 manufacturing units and several sales offices in 35 countries. The parent company, Huhtamäki Oyj, has its head office in Espoo, Finland and is listed on the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki Ltd. Additional information is available at www.huhtamaki.com.
This announcement was originally distributed by Hugin. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
