02.14.19
Ahlstrom-Munksjö’s net sales were €734.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2018, showing an increase of 2.2% from €718.9 million from the fourth quarter of 2017. Growth was driven by significantly higher selling prices in all business areas. Delivery volumes rose in the Décor business area, while declined in the other business areas. Volumes were impacted by stronger-than-usual seasonal variations as well as the planned closure of a paper machine at the Stenay plant in France and operational issues at the Aspa pulp mill.
In 2018, net sales amounted to €2.99 billion, showing an increase of 1.2% from the €2.96 billion in January-December 2017 period. At constant currency rates, growth was 5.1% driven by significantly higher selling prices. Lower delivery volumes in all business areas and an adverse currency effect had a negative impact on net sales.
“We made good progress towards our strategic targets in 2018,” says Hans Sohlström, president and CEO. “The acquisitions of Expera and Caieiras were important milestones in the strategic transformation towards global leadership in our selected product categories and we are very pleased with the acquisitions. Critical size in the value chain enables operations on a global scale and a readiness to better meet our customer needs. The acquisition of Expera tripled our net sales in the U.S. and provided a platform for growth, while Caieiras significantly strengthened our South American operations.”
In 2018, net sales amounted to €2.99 billion, showing an increase of 1.2% from the €2.96 billion in January-December 2017 period. At constant currency rates, growth was 5.1% driven by significantly higher selling prices. Lower delivery volumes in all business areas and an adverse currency effect had a negative impact on net sales.
“We made good progress towards our strategic targets in 2018,” says Hans Sohlström, president and CEO. “The acquisitions of Expera and Caieiras were important milestones in the strategic transformation towards global leadership in our selected product categories and we are very pleased with the acquisitions. Critical size in the value chain enables operations on a global scale and a readiness to better meet our customer needs. The acquisition of Expera tripled our net sales in the U.S. and provided a platform for growth, while Caieiras significantly strengthened our South American operations.”