10.31.05
Ahlstrom Corporation’s sales were €381.9 million for the third quarter compared to €393 million during the same quarter of last year. Operating profit was €33.7 million compared to €18.6 million the prior year. According to executives, the third quarter was considerably weaker than expected. While North American and Asian markets did improve, Europe remained sluggish. FiberComposite sales, of which nonwovens comprise 49%, were €183 million compared to €165 million last year. Within nonwovens, sales volumes grew on continued strength in the wipes and medical markets.