Jan 07, 2009. /Lesprom.com/. Ahlstrom Corporation will take further restructuring measures in order to adjust its operations to the weakening demand. The company is planning plant closures in Italy and temporary and permanent layoffs worldwide, Ahlstrom said in a statement received by Lesprom Network. In Italy, Ahlstrom has started negotiations with the representatives of the personnel on a permanent closure of its Gallarate and Carbonate sites, as well as on a closure of one production line in Cressa. The measures will be implemented gradually starting from the 1Q 2009, with an estimated reduction impact of approximately 60 employees. All three sites produce nonwoven wiping fabrics. In Finland, Ahlstrom has issued a proposal to start negotiations with the personnel representatives in Karhula, Mikkeli and Tampere. In Karhula and Mikkeli the negotiations may lead to temporary layoffs for approximately 250 persons and the possibility of permanent layoffs cannot be excluded. In Tampere the negotiations may lead to temporary layoffs for approximately 60 persons. Ahlstrom’s plants in Karhula and Mikkeli produce glass nonwovens products, and they employ altogether 560 people. Tampere plant produces filtration materials, and employs 60 people. In addition, Ahlstrom has started the process of reducing personnel at several plants globally. The adjustments concern personnel both in the Specialty Papers and the Fiber Composites segments. It is anticipated that the measures will result in a reduction of approximately 150 employees.