Ahlstrom, a leader in sustainable fiber-based specialty materials, has signed an agreement to divest its Aspa pulp mill in Sweden to Sweden Timber. The agreement includes the pulp mill and all its operations. This is a key step in Ahlstrom's growth transformation journey, reinforcing the company's strategic commitment to sustainable specialty materials.

Aspa pulp mill produces bleached and unbleached softwood pulp that is used in a broad range of applications in paper and sold globally. It has an annual capacity of approximately 200,000 tonnes and 174 employees.

Several external parties have expressed interest in acquiring the Aspa plant throughout the years. For Ahlstrom, it was important to find an owner who has an interest in further developing the mill and ensuring its long-term success. Sweden Timber is a Swedish wood processing company with assets also in papermaking and wood composites.

"Aspa mill and its employees have done a great job contributing to Ahlstrom's success over the years, and I'm very thankful for that. We believe that Aspa will have a better home with Sweden Timber, which is looking to develop its pulp production capabilities. This divestment allows us to focus on Ahlstrom's specialty materials portfolio," says Wolfgang Laures, Chief Operating Officer at Ahlstrom.

"We look forward to continuing business and developing Aspa together with the mill's experienced team. We are committed to continuing to serve existing customers in the future with Aspa's high-quality pulp," says Mikael Arvidsson, Sweden Timber.

The transaction is expected to be completed during the fourth quarter of 2024. Ahlstrom is focused on maintaining business continuity during the divestment process and will make every effort during the transition to ensure the mill and its employees successfully enter this new chapter.