Ahlstrom-Munksjö, Finland, has decided on two investment projects, totaling EUR 9 million, both with attractive financial returns. This supports Ahlstrom-Munksjö's strategic ambition to maintain a leading position in selected niches of the global fiber-based solutions market that offer positive growth outlook and are supported by sustainable market drivers.

These projects will not materially impact the current year's capital expenditure plan. The capital expenditure guidance for 2018, published on Feb. 13, 2018, remains unchanged.

The first investment will further improve quality of decor paper in Dettingen, Germany.

In the Decor business area, the company will invest about EUR 5 million to further enhance the quality of pre-impregnated decor papers produced at its Dettingen plant in Germany. Through the investment, which will be completed by the end of 2018, Ahlstrom-Munksjö will be able to strengthen its leading position in pre-impregnated decor papers. Ahlstrom-Munksjö is the global leading manufacturer of paper-based surfacing for wood based materials such as laminate flooring, furniture, and interiors.

The second investment will shorten lead times and improve efficiency in Pont Audemer, France.

In the Specialties business area, the company will invest about EUR 4 million to rebuild a converting line of sterilization wrap being produced at its Pont Audemer plant in France. The material is, e.g., used to protect medical garments and sterilizing instruments. The investment includes installing a new sheeter and folding line as well as automated wrapping and boxing of the finished goods.

Through the investment, which will be completed by the second quarter of 2019, the business will improve its competitiveness through higher efficiency and shorter lead times. The Specialties business area produces materials for food and beverage packaging, laboratory filters and life science diagnostics, water filtration, tape products, and medical fabrics.

More information about Ahlstrom-Munksjö‘s investments and plans are available by contacting Juho Erkheikki, relations manager, tel. +358 50 413 45 83. 

Ahlstrom-Munksjö is a global producer of fiber-based materials, supplying innovative and sustainable solutions to customers worldwide. Its offerings include decor paper, filter media, release liners, abrasive backings, nonwovens, electrotechnical paper, glass fiber materials, food packaging and labeling, tape, medical fiber materials and solutions for diagnostics. Combined annual net sales are about EUR 2.2 billion and the company employs some 6,000 people. Read more online.