Nonwovens split for Suominen

As part of a general restructuring, Suominen plans to split its Nonwovens business into two separately operating units –  Convenience and Care.

From January 1st 2014, the Convenience business will focus on serving customers in the wiping, travel and catering sectors. Based on 2012 sales, the annual net sales of Convenience were approximately €322 million.

The Care business will focus on customers in medical and hygiene. Based on 2012 sales, the annual net sales of Care were approximately €36 million.

Suominen’s other business unit, Flexibles, has been restructured in order to strengthen its ability to serve its customers more efficiently. It will focus on four sectors – bread packaging, tissue wrapping, retail carrier bags and special products. The net sales of Flexibles were €53 million in 2012.

A number of personnel changes will result from the restructuring.

“This is an essential and at the same time logical step in the strategic path we have chosen,” said president and CEO Nina Kopola.  “To implement our strategy, a significant change in our way of working is required. Among other important objectives, we seek to speed up our capability to create new business and launch new products with higher value add to the market. With the more focused and customer-derived operating model, we will further enhance our ability to cater for specific customers and ultimately improve our profitability.”