In April–June 2019, Suominen’s net sales decreased by 6% from the comparison period to €103.8 million ($116.3 million). The strengthening of the USD compared to EUR increased the net sales by €3.4 million ($3.8 million).  

Until June 30, Suominen’s business areas were Convenience and Care. Convenience business area supplied nonwovens as roll goods for a wide range of wiping applications. Care business area supplied nonwovens for hygiene products and medical applications. Net sales of the Convenience business area amounted to €96.1 million ($107.7 million) and net sales of the Care business area to €7.7 million ($8.6 million).

Since July 1, 2019 Suominen’s business areas are Americas and Europe. The net sales of the Americas business area were €65 million ($72.8 million) and of the Europe business area €38.8 million ($43.5 million).

Petri Helsky, president and CEO, comments: “The second quarter continued on the same level as the first quarter of the year. When looking at the first half of the year our net sales decreased slightly but our operating profit increased.

“We continued our systematic development work on our new manufacturing line in Bethune, SC, U.S. during the second quarter. We conducted several trials and customer qualification runs, which caused some additional costs. We continue to develop the new line in Bethune as part of our regular business operations.

“From the beginning of July our new business areas are Europe and Americas. I am sure that this new organization enables us to be more efficient, focused and agile, which will support our work to improve Suominen’s profitability going forward. Due to the reorganizing of the business areas the second quarter includes €0.4 million ($0.45 million) restructuring costs.”