On March 13, the inter-union and Ahlstrom Stenay employees expressed their concerns about the future of their jobs in a press release "many worrying signs suggesting a plant closure by the end of the year" . On the same day, the parent company, the Finnish paper and cardboard manufacturer Ahlstrom, announced that it was launching a consultation with the site's employee representatives on the possible sale of the plant, as required by the Florange law, or in the absence of a buyer on its closure.
The Stenay plant, located in the Meuse region, produces single-sided coated papers for specific uses in the packaging sector. According to the group, "there is overcapacity in Europe and competition with machines with a more competitive cost structure" . For its part, the interunion denounces the fact that Stenay is the "the only plant that does not benefit from major investments necessary for its sustainability".
From "disastrous consequences for the whole territory"
In 2019, 77 employees had to leave following a first social plan intended for "strengthen competitiveness" recalls the inter-union.
Ahlstrom states in its press release that it has reviewed the "different options" and try the "development of potential new products" but no longer able to continue the operation of the paper mill.
The factory, which is 100 years old, employs 127 people and has a turnover of nearly 56 million euros. It is the leading local employer and employs many local suppliers, according to Alain Magisson, secretary of the social and economic committee of Ahlstrom Stenay. "Closing Ahlstrom Stenay would have disastrous consequences for the entire region" he says.
Mark UshPol, executive vice president of the group's Food and Consumer Packaging division, states: "If we were unable to find a solution, we would work closely with other Ahlstrom sites, the city of Stenay, the Meuse locality and other stakeholders for all potentially affected employees."
