THE C-LEVEL INTERVIEW
Hans Sohlström: « More than ever, Ahlstrom-Munksjö’s mission is to expand the role of fiber-based solutions for a sustainable and safe everyday life » Interview by Valérie Lechiffre
The specialty and technical paper segment is more buoyant than ever! In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, Hans Sohlström, President and CEO of the Finnish group AhlstromMunksjö, explains his strategy and positioning on the market.
1. What are your production and sales volumes and how many mills do you operate globally?
HANS SOHLSTRÖM: Ahlstrom-Munksjö is a global leader in sustainable and innovative fiber-based solutions. Our offering includes filter materials, release liners, food and beverage processing materials, decor papers, abrasive and tape backings, electrotechnical paper, glass fiber materials, medical fiber materials and solutions for diagnostics as well as a range of specialty papers for industrial and consumer end-uses. In 2019, our annual net sales were around €3 billion and the Group generated an Ebitda of €313 million.
In 2019, our annual net sales were around €3 billion and the Group generated an Ebitda of €313 million.
Last year, our production was about 1.5 million tonnes (- 4% compared to 2018). In the last 5 years, our production volume has declined slightly as a result of increased customer and product focus in order to increase profitability. However, in our specialty business, value is much more important than volume! In a nutshell, our core competence is about combining fibers into high-added value products. The more technically-advanced the product is, the better it is for us! Our key strength is that we have leading global positions in chosen segments. The Ahlstrom-Munksjö share is listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki and Stockholm. Our head office is based in Helsinki.
2. W hat are your main markets geographically? For which segments do you see the best prospects at the moment? HS: In 2018, our Group has acquired the US company Expera (net sales: €616 million) as well as the Brazilian company Caieiras (net sales: €76 million). Recently, we have also sold the Glass reinforcement and Fine Art Paper Businesses. We are also in the process of acquiring Minglian, a Chinese decor paper manufacturer. We have a global network of sales office. Our group is composed of 45 plants located in 14 countries in Europe, North America, South America and Asia. We employ about 8,100 people (48 nationalities) and we serve more than 7,000 customers in over 100 countries.
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PAPERFIRST MAG SPRING 2020
