According to the company, operations at the plant in the Tver region could end in weeks or months.
Finn Ahlstrom-Munksjö, a manufacturer of fibrous materials, has not closed its plant in the Tver region of Russia due to the war of aggression.
CEO of the company Hans Sohlström did not respond to contact requests. Instead, Ahlstrom-Munksjö provided written answers to Helsingin Sanomat’s questions.
Why does Ahlstrom-Munksjö continue to operate in Russia, even though many other companies have voluntarily ceased trading and production there?
“With the war in Ukraine, we have stopped all exports to Russia and we will also stop exporting from our Russian plant in Tver to our customers in the EU. We are reducing operations at our Tver plant in a controlled manner, taking care of the safety of our 87 employees. The Tver plant serves internationally Western European and US building materials companies locally, utilizing our unique production technology that we do not want to end up in the hands of others. We are exploring different options to find a solution to this difficult situation. ”
In what timeframe do you think it is possible to stop production in Tver?
“The situation is complex and many stakeholders need to be taken into account in our actions. The safety of all employees is of paramount importance to us, including our staff at the Tver plant. We are exploring different options to find a solution to this difficult situation. Operations at the plant can end in weeks or months. ”
Ahlstrom-Munksjö says it adheres strictly to all international sanctions imposed by the European Union, Britain and the United States.
“The Tver plant served Western European export customers in the EU. We are driving exports down and have not accepted new customer orders. Previously confirmed orders will be delivered to the EU by the summer, ”the company says.