Ahlstrom-Munksj? announced two investment projects, totaling €9 million, both with attractive financial returns.

In the Decor business area, the company will invest about €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-Munksj? will be able to strengthen its leading position in pre-impregnated decor papers. Ahlstrom-Munksj? is the global leading manufacturer of paper-based surfacing for wood based materials such as laminate flooring, furniture and interiors.
In the Specialties business area, the company will invest about €4 million to rebuild a converting line of sterilization wrap being produced at its Pont Audemer plant in France. The material is used for protecting 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.

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