May 31, 2006. /Lesprom Network/. Ahlstrom has issued on Wednesday, May 31 a proposal to start cooperation procedure at the Kauttua plant in Finland regarding temporary layoffs of the plant's employees. The potential layoffs are targeted to adapt the production volumes of crepe paper to match the current demand and stock levels. The potential layoffs are estimated to last for eight weeks and they will affect the 16 blue collar workers of the plant. Ahlstrom will announce the results of the negotiations as soon as they have been concluded. The potential layoffs will not affect the deliveries of crepe paper to customers. Ahlstrom is a global leader in the development, manufacture and marketing of high performance fiber-based materials. The company has a strong market position in several business areas in which it operates, built upon the company's unique fiber expertise and innovative approach. Ahlstrom's 5 600 employees serve customers via sales offices and production facilities in more than 20 countries on six continents. In 2005, Ahlstrom's net sales amounted to Euro 1.6 billion. Ahlstrom's share is listed on the main list of the Helsinki Stock Exchange.