Nov 24, 2006. /Lesprom Network/. Ahlstrom, a global leader in high performance fiber-based materials, has expanded the production capacity of its Mikkeli plant in Finland. An additional building of approximately 6 000 square meters has been built next to the current plant. The Euro 5 million investment consists of an additional building and new machinery. The Mikkeli plant manufactures glassfiber products for composite industry, the major end users being wind energy, marine, sports equipment, and transport vehicle industries. 95% of the plant's production is exported, mainly to European countries. Ahlstrom is one of the leading specialty glassfiber reinforcement suppliers globally. Ahlstrom has significantly increased the production capacity of Mikkeli plant during 2005-2006. The expansion, together with improved production efficiency, enables Ahlstrom to further increase the production capacity by up to 50% within the next few years. In addition to new machinery, the new building includes storage capacity for raw materials and finished goods, which is expected to bring cost savings. The maintenance area, staff rooms, and conference rooms will also be renovated within the next few months. "In recent years, we have been able to strengthen our global market share as a specialty reinforcement supplier, especially in wind energy and marine industries. Our target is to continue profitable growth at a rate that exceeds the market average. The investment in Mikkeli will support this objective", says Tommi Björnman, senior vice president, glass nonwovens. The Mikkeli plant is part of Ahlstrom's glass nonwovens business area which belongs to the company's fibercomposites segment.