Ahlstrom marks inauguration of new €40M wallcovering substrates production line in Binzhou, China, recently began commercial test runs and qualification process for the products; mill also manufactures transportation filtration materials

Debra Garcia

HELSINKI , May 28, 2014 (press release) – Ahlstrom, a global high performance fiber-based materials company, today celebrates the inauguration of its new wallcovering substrates production line in Binzhou, China. The new production line is an approximately EUR 40 million investment and it produces high-end wallcovering products for the growing Chinese market.

"This is a major step in the execution of our strategy and provides us with many growth opportunities in Asia. We have now established Binzhou as a manufacturing platform in the region, further strengthening our presence and commitment to customers," says Jan Lång, President & CEO, Ahlstrom.

Ahlstrom's Binzhou plant is located in the Shandong province on China's eastern coast. In addition to wallcovering products, the plant currently manufactures transportation filtration materials and employs 200 people. The wallcovering line is part of Ahlstrom's Building and Energy business area.

"The Chinese wallcoverings market has been growing steadily over the recent years and is set to become the world's largest in the next two to three years," says Arnaud Marquis, Executive Vice President, Building and Energy business area.

The investment was initially announced in June, 2011. Commercial test runs and qualification processes for the products have recently begun.

Ahlstrom in brief
Ahlstrom is a high performance fiber-based materials company, partnering with leading businesses around the world to help them stay ahead. We aim to grow with a product offering for clean and healthy environment. Our materials are used in everyday applications such as filters, medical fabrics, life science and diagnostics, wallcoverings and food packaging. In 2013, Ahlstrom's net sales from the continuing operations amounted to EUR 1 billion. Our 3,500 employees serve customers in 24 countries. Ahlstrom's share is quoted on the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki. More information available at www.ahlstrom.com.

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