Oct 06, 2009. /Lesprom Network/. Ahlstrom intends to reduce the workforce at its Altenkirchen plant in Germany by about 65 employees, the company said. Talks with personnel started on Tuesday October 6th and involve all employees — both blue-collar and white-collar — at the plant. Ahlstrom said the measure is an effort to adapt the production volumes of specialty materials for automotive, building and industrial applications to match demand. The Altenkirchen plant produces sealing and shielding materials as well as base paper for calender bowls and is part of Ahlstrom's Technical Papers business unit. The plant employs approximately 160 employees, of which 117 are blue-collar and 43 white-collar.