Ahlstrom has launched a consultation process with employee representatives at its Stenay paper mill in France about the possibility to divest the mill, and if a buyer cannot be found considering closure.
Stenay mill produces one-side coated specialty papers for specific uses in the packaging sector where there is overcapacity in Europe and competition with machines with a more competitive cost structure. The mill has an annual capacity of approximately 55,000 tons of specialty paper and has 127 employees.
Despite thorough review of different options and attempts to develop potential new products, Ahlstrom has not been able to find solutions that would enable the Group to continue operating the Stenay mill. Therefore, after having carefully studied all possible scenarios, Ahlstrom is now planning to divest the site and if a buyer cannot be found considering closure.
"We understand that this is a difficult time for our employees at Stenay, and we will do our utmost to evaluate all viable alternatives for the site to mitigate possible unfavorable social impacts," said Mark Ushpol, EVP, Food and Consumer Packaging division. "Should we be unable to find a solution, we would work closely together with other Ahlstrom locations, the city of Stenay, the Meuse locality and other stakeholders to support all potentially affected employees."
TAPPI
http://www.tappi.org/