Ahlstrom considers to close or sell its Bousbecque plant
19 April 2024
Ahlstrom has launched a consultation process with employee representatives at its Bousbecque plant in France about the possibility to divest or close the plant and to centralize parchment paper production to its Saint-Séverin plant in France to ensure the long-term future and competitiveness of its specialty materials business.
The Bousbecque plant, located in Northern France, is producing parchment specialty materials and has an annual capacity of approximately 12,000 tpy. Ahlstrom says there is overcapacity in the parchment paper market and increasing competitive pressure.
Despite thorough review of different options, it has not been able to find solutions that would enable it to continue operating the Bousbecque plant, Ahlstrom explains. The company is therefore planning to move production from Bousbecque to Saint-Séverin plant, planning to divest the Bousbecque site and if a buyer cannot be found considering closure.
"We are committed to examining all potential options to minimise any possible social consequences, as we understand that this is a difficult time for our employees at Bousbecque. In the absence of viable solutions, we pledge to work closely with our other sites, the municipality of Bousbecque, the Northern French region and all stakeholders to provide full support to all our potentially impacted employees," says Guillaume Latourrette, Vice President of Ahlstrom’s Global Food business.
Source: Euwid