Our history

Aug 27, 2020

Ahlstrom was established in 1851 in Finland and Munksjö 1862 in Sweden. Both companies have roots in the forest industry but over the first decades, both developed into diversified conglomerates. In early 2000 both companies started to re-focus into fibers.

Key milestones in Ahlstrom's history

1851

Ahlstrom was founded and timber trading, shipping and sawmill operations started to grow in Noormarkku, Finland

1862

Munksjö paper mill was founded in Jönköping, Sweden

1931

Ahlstrom Group was Finland’s largest industrial enterprise, with more than 30 manufacturing units and over 5,000 employees

1963

Ahlstrom acquired Cartiere Bosso S.p.A. in Italy, which made Ahlstrom a pioneer in international operations

1985

17% of Ahlstrom’s people were working outside Finland

1998

73% of Ahlstrom’s people were working outside Finland 

2006

Ahlstrom Corporation was listed on the Helsinki Stock Exchange

2011

Ahlstrom is among the oldest Finnish companies when celebrating its 160th anniversary. The company has production facilities in more than 20 countries

2013

Ahlstrom's Label and Processing business combined with Munksjö.

2014

Munksjö listed on Helsinki and Stockholm stock exchanges

2017

Ahlstrom and Munksjö merged and took the name Ahlstrom-Munksjö

2018

Ahlstrom-Munksjö acquired U.S. based Expera Specialty Solutions and Brazilian Caieiras specialty paper mill.

2021

A consortium consisting of Ahlström Capital, funds managed by Bain Capital as well as Viknum and Belgrano Inversiones completed a tender offer for all shares in Ahlstrom-Munksjö. Ahlstrom-Munksjö becomes a privately held company (Ahlstrom-Munksjö Holding).

2022

As of 3rd of October, 2022, company has taken into use its new business name Ahlstrom after its Decor business ownership arrangement. Decor business continues operations with brand name Munksjö.