Abstract:

In the fiberglass weak market, fiberglass manufacturers face much stress, and some large-scale company started lay-off. Such as PPG, Ahlstrom, etc. Ahlstrom will temporary lay off 150 workers for about 90 days to reduce cost and production to fit the market.

On the date May 25, 2009, Ahlstrom issued a proposal to start cooperation procedure on temporary layoffs at its fiberglass plant in Karhula, Finland. The negotiations starting on Monday, June 1, 2009 will concern the whole personnel of the plant. The possible layoffs and already started efforts to make cost savings are targeted to adapt the production volumes of specialty reinforcements and fiberglass tissue to match the demand.

The production reductions and cost saving efforts are estimated to result in temporary layoffs for approximately 150 persons at the Karhula plant. The duration of the temporary layoffs is estimated to be less than 90 days, and they are estimated to start during the fall of 2009.

Ahlstrom started production adjustments at its Karhula plant earlier this year, and the company has previously announced temporary layoffs for approximately 150 blue collar employees and majority of the white collar employees of the plant between March and August 2009.

Ahlstrom’s plant in Karhula, Finland produces specialty reinforcements and fiberglass tissue. The plant is part of Ahlstrom’s Glass & Industrial Nonwovens Business Area and employs approximately 400 people, of which roughly 300 are blue collar and roughly 100 are white collar employees.