Suominen Sales Decrease

Suominen Corporation’s net sales decreased to €149.8 million during the first nine months of 2005 compared €170.4 million during the same period of last year. Operating profit also decreased, from €7.8 million to €1.9 million. The company’s Wipes and Nonwovens business recorded a loss of €1.7 million and reported a 19% sales decrease to €96.7 million. Within nonwovens, sales to U.S. markets decreased while European business grew and hydroentangled nonwovens sales remained the same while thermal bonded nonwovens sales declines as customers converted to alternative materials.