Ahlstrom's net sales in the first quarter were 441.0 million Euros, compared to 376.1 million the corresponding period last year. Operating profit was 14.0 million Euros (-10.7). The figure includes non-recurring items of 0.3 million Euros (-0.7 million). Result before taxes was 7.4 million Euros (-18.6), and earnings per share were 0.09 Euro (-0.26).Net cash from operating activities was 32.1 million Euros (20.9).During the quarter a new plant in India was opened. The plant manufactures medical nonwovens. The project to reduce operative working capital, launched at the beginning of 2009, continued. Working capital decreased by 14.0 million with turnover improving."In the first quarter, our profitability improved from the comparison period despite the increasing raw material prices. Profitability was improved by the growth in sales volumes," said Jan Lång, CEO of Ahlstrom.