Ahlstrom Stands to Gain a Strong Position in The Chinese Wallpaper Market

By investing on their Binzhou plant, Ahlstrom stands to gain a strong position in the Chinese wallpaper market. Ahlstrom will invest approx. 30 million euros to a new production line in its factory in Binzhou, China. The new line will expand the plant's range from filter materials to nonwoven fabric products. "Ahlstrom has a strong position both in Europe and the North and South America, and we'll continue strengthening our positions in Asia as well. Within the next few years, China is expected to become the world's largest wallpaper market, so it offers substantial growth potential for companies operating in the field," Jan Lång, Ahlstrom's chief executive officer, explains. The Binzou factory is located in Shandong province, on the eastern coast of China. Currently, the plant produces filter materials for transportation industry, and has approx. 170 employees. When the new wallpaper production line is completed, 50 new local jobs will be created. In addition to the Binzhou plant, Ahlstrom owns two factories in Asia: Hyun Poong in South Korea and Mundra in India. Ahlstrom also has nine sales offices around Asia. Asia accounts for 10 percent of the company's turnover. Ahlstrom is the world leader in wallpaper materials. The company produces wallpaper products in five factories in Europe, and has a single plant in North America. The company's Building and Energy business area focuses on materials used in construction and flooring, in special reinforced materials used in boat and wind turbine blades, and in wallpaper solutions. The business area accounts for approx. 13 percent of Ahlstrom's turnover. Source: goodnewsfinland.com