Dec 17, 2009. /Lesprom Network/. Ahlstrom Corporation has concluded the cooperation procedure on a possible closure of a paper machine for filtration materials at its manufacturing plant in Barcelona, Spain, the company said in a press release received by Lesprom Network. The negotiations with the representatives of personnel were started on November 6, 2009, as part of the Group restructuring program under way globally, and due to the global overcapacity in some filtration materials. The negotiations concerned all employees of the plant excluding the sales office. As a result of the negotiations, Ahlstrom has made the decision to close down the paper machine. This will result in a reduction of 37 positions, impacting both blue-collar and white-collar employees. The layoffs will be implemented flexibly as from the end of the year. The Barcelona plant employs 92 persons, of whom 10 work at the sales office. The plant produces filtration media for transportation and liquid applications. In addition to the paper machine, the plant operates a saturator, slitter winders, liquid converters and a warehouse, which are not impacted by the closure. Despite the possible adjustments, the Barcelona plant will continue to supply its local customers with the current product portfolio and service supported by Ahlstrom's plants in Turin, Italy, and Mount Holly Springs, USA. The Turin plant is the main manufacturing site of filtration materials for Ahlstrom's customers in Europe, Middle East and Africa.