New innovation specialist hired at WestRock

Georgia-Pacific’s Brewton Containerboard mill recently announced its plans to invest $160 million to modernize its operations. The project involves upgrades to the facility’s pulp processing systems that will reduce energy and chemicals consumption, other environmental emissions, and allow for more paper production.

Second quarter 2021 net income from continuing operations was $20.7 million ($0.61 per diluted share) compared to net income from continuing operations of $14.3 million ($0.43 per diluted share) in the second quarter of 2020. Net income from ongoing operations, which excludes special items and discontinued operations, was $16.1 million ($0.48 per diluted share) in the second quarter of 2021 compared with $16.0 million ($0.48 per diluted share) in the second quarter of 2020. *Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") from ongoing operations for Aluminum Extrusions of $19.7 million was $6.4 million higher than the second quarter of 2020 *EBITDA from ongoing operations for PE Films of $9.0 million was $6.5 million lower than the second quarter of 2020 *EBITDA from ongoing operations for Flexible Packaging Films of $8.3 million was $1.8 million higher than the second quarter of 2020

A comprehensive review of the general conditions has shown that it is not possible to continue production economically on the board machine in Hirschwang an der Rax, Lower Austria. The age and design of the machine (year of construction 1952) as well as increased market requirements prevent continued existence. 150 employees are affected, discussions about a social plan have already been started. The supply of customers from other plants of the Mayr-Melnhof Group is guaranteed. The result of the cartonboard division is expected to be impacted by around EUR 25 million, the greater part of which is due to depreciation. The Hirschwang site is to concentrate on the existing folding box production (Neupack) with 215 employees in the future. Investments to strengthen the location in this area are being examined.