WISCONSIN (From news reports) -- Ahlstrom, a Finnish company which owns the Thilmany mill in Kaukauna, announced on May 28 it has acquired Pixelle Specialty Solutions' mill in Stevens Point.

The acquisition enables Ahlstrom to expand its U.S. market share in the food and consumer packaging segment.

Ahlstrom declined to disclose details on the purchase price. In late April, CFO Niklas Beyes said the company would purchase the Stevens Point facility using a roughly $600 million loan backed by the company.

"Stevens Point's superior technical expertise and top-class team are an exciting addition to Ahlstrom's technology portfolio and global manufacturing network," said Konraad Dullaert, VP in food and consumer packaging, in a media release on May 28. "This acquisition expands our market coverage and positions us to respond to the evolving needs of our customers in North America and beyond."

Ahlstrom is retaining all 260 employees at the Stevens Point facility, according to Tricia Schwartz, the company's communication manager for North America.

The company has a significant footprint in Wisconsin in specialty papers and packaging. In addition to the Thilmany mill, it owns the Nicolet mill in De Pere and two other mills in Rhinelander and Mosinee.

Amid tariffs and market uncertainty, the Finnish company seeks to implement a "local-for-local" manufacturing and supply strategy, producing goods in the same regions where they're sold.

"This acquisition is an important strategic step," said CEO Helen Mets in the media release.