All the major shareholder groups of Norske Skogindustrier ASA have indicated their strong support for the consensual recapitalization solution between the Unsecured Committee and the Senior Secured Noteholder Committee reached yesterday. Among the 20 largest shareholders, who control about 38 % of the total number of shares in Norske Skogindustrier ASA, there are already over 75 % support for the recapitalization proposal. At the last general meetings, there have been about 35 - 40 % attendance from the shareholders, where the largest shareholders would constitute more than 90 % of the votes. The transaction will need the support of existing shareholders of Norske Skogindustrier ASA, with a 2/3 majority in an extraordinary general meeting. Among the 20 largest shareholders, there are some nominee accounts, where the shareholder is not known to the public or the company. Such nominee accounts represent almost 20 % of the total number of shares controlled by the 20 largest shareholders, and their vote is therefore unknown to the company. "We are pleased to see that all known major shareholders will support the recapitalization transaction. As repeatedly stated, all alternatives to a consensual solution will entail significantly less value for all parties and rather complicated insolvency processes. If the proposal is successful, the transaction will reduce the group's gross debt from approximately NOK 9 billion to approximately NOK 3 billion and reduce annual cash interest costs from approximately NOK 600 to 200 million", says Mr. Christen Sveaas, chairman and the largest shareholder of Norske Skogindustrier ASA. Click Read More below for additional information.

The price increase for both product ranges will be from 8 to 10% depending on format and country. This price movement is essential in order to offset the continuous increase in manufacturing and distribution costs. Lecta sales teams are at our customers' disposal to provide specific information on how the price increase will be applied by product on a country by country basis.

Steven Mattes, CEO of Industrial Assets Corp., states the site has over a billion USD of investment capital put into the infrastructure and equipment at the site. The workforce is determined to keep the mill in operation with a high level of technical knowledge and work ethic. Industrial Assets and its partner, Maynards Industries, are uniquely suited to find the perfect strategic buyer, most likely in the growing packaging grade sector. This mill's infrastructure is very desirable, featuring a 50 MW Cogeneration system, which will provide low cost energy, the site includes rail service, all permits in place for an immediate restart for a domestic or foreign buyer. This 55-acre site with 1.2 million sq. ft. is ideal for running containerboard grades. The (3) paper machines have trim widths ideal to serve the corrugator converters with a customer base ready to enter into production output agreements. The Jagenberg off-machine coater laminator provides the distinct advantage to produce linerboard to the growing demand of the high end graphics segment of commodity packaging. "We have a combined ability to provide direct financing and leasing program for all size companies to take advantage of this very unique opportunity," said Taso Sofikitis, CEO/President of Maynards. Click Read More below for additional information.

RISI reports that LEIPA will increase the transaction price of all coated mechanical reels by 30 Euros per ton for all grades in all markets.

For a variety of reasons we haven’t been able to reach our targeted output when running 70# Orca. Now with the new two machine scenario coming we have a new scenario and we can’t continue making all current grades. Even though we run the risk (small) of losing some 50 & 60# Orca offset we have come to the conclusion that 70# Orca Offset needs to be discontinued. Therefore we have no future blocks of this grade in our production planning. If you do get inquiries from the market kindly inform customers that we have discontinued production of 70# Orca Offset.

In order to better serve our Customer’s needs, BCI Hawkeye completed in October the installation of a Bobst VISIONCUT 1.6 PR autoplaten die-cutter with Power Register, a state-of-the-art system for unmatched print-to-cut accuracy. This technology will support the growing need for precision die-cutting of micro flute, single wall, double wall, and litho-laminated corrugated board.

The forest industry continues to be a key export sector and a major employer in Finland. Its economic importance is emphasised by the fact that raw materials and services needed in production are mainly sourced from Finland. Metsä Group's Äänekoski bioproduct mill is an example of the forest industry of the new era. Its positive impacts on the Finnish economy are substantial,” Sauli Niinistö says. The forest industry continues to be a key export sector and a major employer in Finland. Its economic importance is emphasised by the fact that raw materials and services needed in production are mainly sourced from Finland. Metsä Group's Äänekoski bioproduct mill is an example of the forest industry of the new era. Its positive impacts on the Finnish economy are substantial,” Sauli Niinistö says. Pulp production at Äänekoski is increasing to 1.3 million tonnes from roughly 0.5 million tonnes. The bioproduct mill is a significant project in terms of Metsä Group’s competitiveness. It is expected to achieve its nominal capacity in mid-2018, which will make Metsä Group the world’s largest producer of softwood market pulp. With this new bioproduct mill, Äänekoski’s industrial ecosystem will develop and grow further, as the mill serves as a platform for the manufacture of new bioproducts. In the first phase, new bioproducts will include product gas, sulphuric acid, biogas and biofuel pellets. Key bioproduct development projects include lignin products, textile fibres and biocomposites. Click Read More below for additional information.

Continuous sharp input cost rises since the beginning of the year, particularly pulp prices, have now increased to a point where Sappi can no longer absorb them . Therefore Sappi Europe today announces price increases for all Packaging and Speciality Papers with effect of January 1st, 2018. The increase will be 7 % for all uncoated grades and 5 % for all coated grades for Flexible Packaging, Label Papers, Containerboard, Silicon Base Papers and Paperboard. The price rise will apply to all European and Overseas markets. The final implementation will be discussed by Sappi’s sales team with their customers over the next weeks. Existing agreements will be certainly respected.

The temporary moratorium on order entry of new manufacturing orders of Coated and Uncoated Freesheet Web products from Verso Corporation has been lifted. Please work with your Midland Paper, Packaging & Supplies customer service representatives as soon as possible for your Coated Freesheet Web needs. Should you have any questions, please contact your Midland Paper, Packaging & Supplies professional sales representative. Thank you for your continued support.

Due to recent industry events and in order to protect the planned requirements of Verso’s existing customer base, there will be a temporary moratorium on order entry of new manufacturing orders of both C1S and C2S Coated and Uncoated Freesheet Web products. The moratorium is applicable to all Coated and Uncoated Freesheet Web, including but not limited to: Coated Freesheet Web: ArborWeb Plus®; Sterling® Ultra; Sterling® Ultra Book; Sterling® Ultra TrueJet®; Sterling® Ultra caliper; Productolith® Pts. C1S and C2S; Publishers Matte®; Publishers ThinBulk®: ArborWeb®; Influence®; Influence® Book; Focus®; Aspect®; Sterling® Ultra C1S; Sterling® Litho C1S; Ideal® Offset; Ideal® Reply Card. This temporary moratorium will be lifted as soon as practical, but could last as long as 48 hours.

Effective with deliveries on or after November 18, 2017, UPM is increasing the transaction price of all Coated Groundwood and Coated Freesheet Web grades. The transaction price of Coated Groundwood Grades will increase $1.00/cwt, including all basis weights and finishes of: Cote; Ultra; Valor; & Star. The transaction price of Coated Freesheet Web will increase $2.00/cwt, including all basis weights and finishes of Finesse.

Mohawk introduced the thirteenth issue of its celebrated Mohawk Maker Quarterly at AIGA’s annual Design Conference in Minneapolis. Each issue of the Mohawk Maker Quarterly relies on a single word for its creative framework. In issue thirteen, that word is disruption. Consistent with the ongoing strategy behind the publication, issue thirteen seeks to provide thought-provoking inspiration for graphic designers around the world through engaging content and well-considered design on paper. Issue thirteen may have been the most challenging issue to date. That’s because the term “disruption” is so commonly used that it’s lost its meaning. Bandied about business culture as the term-du-jour, disruption has earned more than a few eye rolls and for good reason. Despite this troublesome ubiquity, disruption’s essence of exploration, discovery and revolution are successfully recaptured in issue thirteen. To do this, the team at Hybrid Design went looking for thinkers and doers who are upending the world as we know it. These iconoclasts are reframing the way we consider such basic concepts as time, ownership and success. They’re redefining images, spaces and perceptions in radical ways. Click Read More below for additional information.

The board of directors and management of Norske Skog are pleased to announce that it has managed to broker a consensual solution between the Unsecured Committee, the Senior Secured Noteholder Committee and major shareholders. The two bondholder committees and the major shareholders have agreed on a split of the equity ownership of Norske Skogindustrier ASA, following the recapitalization transaction that these groups will support. With this development, over 80% of the senior secured noteholders and more than 50% of the unsecured noteholders have now indicated their willingness to support such an adjusted recapitalization proposal. Therefore, the relevant boards in the Norske Skog group have resolved to revise the terms of the ongoing consent solicitation in accordance with the split agreed. The formal consent solicitation deadline is extended until Wednesday 25 October at 17:00 CET to allow adequate time for the group's noteholders to submit their formal consents. Click Read More below for additional information.

Effective immediately, Sappi is announcing a temporary order moratorium on all items of the following: • Opus Web • Somerset Web • Flo Web • Flo Sheets and Sheeter Rolls • LusterCote C1S. Any unconfirmed orders in our system and any inquiries will be held for review through Thursday, October 19th, when we will determine which orders and inquiries we can confirm. In light of recent industry developments, this is a short-term measure designed to secure Sappi’s production capacity for the protection of Sappi’s existing customers.

West Linn Paper Company today annouced that it is ceasing operations and will commence a winding up of its business supervised by its second lien lender. "We are deeply disappointed to end the mill’s 128 year history, the last twenty of which resulted from a major restructuring and restart when our current ownership took control of West Linn Paper Company. The commitment and support that we received from our employees, our lenders and our owners as we sought to adapt to structural changes in our markets has been remarkable. However, several unforeseeable events have led to a significant reduction in available pulp, making continued operations impossible. As a result we will wind up our operations as quickly and efficiently as possible, beginning immediately." states Brian Konen, Chief Operating Officer for West Linn Paper Company. Company officials said that orders for stock product will continue to be accepted. Orders that have been produced but not yet shipped will be shipped. Manufacturing orders that have been accepted, but not yet produced, will be reviewed and customers will be contacted shortly with confirmations as to whether those orders will be produced. The Company will not be accepting new manufacturing orders going forward.

We would like to provide an update regarding today’s announcement by West Linn Paper Company that it is ceasing operations. It is with disappointment that we learned of West Linn Paper’s closure. The mill has a proud history of 128 years, including the past 20 years since it was restarted under the current ownership. We understand that operating as a non-integrated paper mill was ultimately impossible in today’s challenging marketplace, particularly given recent events resulting in a significant reduction of pulp availability. At Port Hawkesbury Paper, it will be business as usual. Click Read More below for additional information.

Sappi North America, a leading producer and supplier of diversified paper and packaging products, today announced the ten grant recipients of its 18th annual Ideas that Matter program, where financial support is given to designers who create print integrated projects to maximize social impact. The ten projects selected this year highlight how design and creativity can help solve prominent social issues. Through communication projects and campaigns using paper and print, the winning projects focus on climate change, encourage high school students to consider urban planning, educate girls about their reproductive rights, support quality journalism, address prison reform, and explore solutions for delivering humanitarian aid - inspiring change across the country, and around the world. As an integral part of Sappi's corporate social responsibility platform since 1999, the Ideas that Matter grant program has funded over 500 nonprofit projects and contributed more than $13 million to a wide range of causes that use design as a positive force in society. The program is open to North American designers who have partnered with a nonprofit organization and developed a communication campaign that is ready for implementation. Click Read More below for additional information.

1. PRICING ANNOUNCEMENT: Neenah is announcing a price increase of approximately 2% on select Commercial Brands of paper and envelopes. The list below provides information for all brands that are being increased. 2. NON-REPLENISHED SKU ANNOUNCEMENT: In our continuing effort to provide best-in-class service to you on our core brands and our high performing items, we will no longer be replenishing select under-performing skus from our portfolio. The impacted items will be available while supplies last. Click Read More below for additional information.

Neenah is announcing a price increase of approximately 3% - 5% on several of our Wide Format brands. We’ve also taken this opportunity to better align our conVerd Board® brand pricing across the products within that portfolio. The list below information for all brands that are being increased. Wide Format - BANNER-BRITE; BLOX-LITE®; CITYLIGHT®; CONVERD BOARD® 1.5MM; CONVERD BOARD® 3.0 MM; CONVERD BOARD® 3.5MM; CONVERD BOARD® 4.7MM; CONVERD BOARD® 6.0 MM; DIGISCAPE®; DUOBOARD®; ENDURA®; EVERYDAY PHOTO; ENVIROSCAPE MURAL®; FLEXART®; GREENLIGHT® II Plus; IMAGEASE®; LUSTRÉ BOARD®; NEENAH® Photo Satin. Wide Format Brands excluded from this price increase include: CLASSIC CREST® Wide Format, ESSE® Wide Format and ASTROBRIGHTS® Wide Format. Click Read More below for additional information.

The Antidumping and Countervailing Duties cases filed by Norpac in August against the Canadian UGW industry has reached the official stage of being investigated by the United States ITC and DOC. The increasing legal costs and the incremental costs associated with the inordinate amount of our corporate personnel’s time that is associated with the efforts needed to defend ourselves from the unfounded accusations levied on our industry are staggering. We also expect to have to start depositing interim duties beginning in early January 2018. Therefore, effective December 1, 2017, we will increase our 48.8 gms newsprint transaction price by $30/MT. The transaction price for our other newsprint and UGW grades and basis weights will increase accordingly. It is Kruger’s intention to rescind this increase once the threat of the duties is lifted and once the investigation is completed.

Due to insufficient results and the significant cost increases for pulp and other raw materials, chemicals and logistics Papierfabrik August Koehler SE is increasing its prices for all products by 7 - 12 % for deliveries from January 1st 2018 onwards.

In the wake of the destruction caused by a series of hurricanes that recently hit the Southern United States and the Caribbean, Resolute has stepped up to assist the rebuilding and humanitarian efforts with donations of lumber and tissue products, as well as basic necessities. We are donating, through Habitat for Humanity, a railcar of lumber to Houston, devastated by unprecedented flooding triggered by Hurricane Harvey. The lumber will be used to help rebuild Habitat homes that were damaged, at no cost to the homeowners, as well as for new homes scheduled for construction later this fall and during the spring of next year. The lumber will be shipped from our La Doré (Quebec) sawmill and is scheduled to arrive in Houston by mid-November. We also sent tens of thousands of packages of bath tissue and paper towels from our Calhoun (Tennessee) operation. Click Read More below for additional information.

On October 10, 2017, Industrial Assets Corp. completed the purchase of Appleton Coated LLC. Industrial Assets Corp. is a California-based corporation specializing in capital financing acquisition and sale of distressed manufacturing companies. Going forward, Appleton Coated will continue limited operations while working with Industrial Assets to secure a strategic buyer that plans to operate at full capacity. To that end, Appleton Coated will be taking/processing orders and has stock of its Utopia, C1S, Reincarnation and Ethos products. Our Customer Service area is available from 7:00 AM CST to 5:30 PM CST to accept inquiries and orders. We look forward to continuing to work with you and thank you for your support and loyalty to Appleton Coated. Click Read More below for additional information.

Neenah Paper, Inc. announced it had signed a definitive agreement to purchase all of the outstanding equity of W.A. Sanders Coldenhove Holding B.V. Coldenhove is a specialty materials manufacturer based in the Netherlands, with a leading position in digital transfer media and other technical products. Coldenhove has annual sales of over $45 million with EBITDA of approximately $6 million. The company's advanced media is a critical component used in dye sublimation, a growing method of digital image transfer. The purchase price is expected to be approximately $45 million, subject to final closing adjustments, and will be financed with available cash and short term borrowings. Closing is expected to occur on November 1, and is subject to customary conditions. Click Read More below for additional information.

The new system has limited data entry requirements allowing individuals interested in a career with Catalyst to enter their credentials quickly and easily. The new system also allows the company to maintain an easily searchable database of candidates for current or future jobs. Anyone interested in employment with Catalyst or considering a job change should visit the company’s careers site (catalystpaper.com/careers) and input their credentials. For over a century, Catalyst has been an integral part of the North American pulp and paper industry. It is proud to be recognized as a leader in product technology innovation and environmental sustainability, founded on a tradition of operational excellence and personal ownership for business performance. Click Read More below for additional information.

Glatfelter, the York, Pa.-based global manufacturer of specialty papers and fiber-based engineered materials, soon will begin making its sought-after “airlaid” products in Fort Smith for the “wipes and hygiene markets.” The company announced in March 2016 it would spend $80 million to repurpose the unused Mitsubishi building at 8201 Chad Colley Blvd. in Fort Smith’s Chaffee Crossing for what has become its 13th manufacturing facility. Glatfelter is creating at least 80 new, high-tech manufacturing jobs in Fort Smith. The company projected in March 2016 it would be up and running in Fort Smith by late 2017 or early 2018. Click Read More below for additional information.

Effective for all new and confirmed orders with deliveries of November 1, 2017 and later, Catalyst Paper will be implementing a price increase of $2.00/cwt for the following paper products: Coated Freesheet Grades: Orion®; Vision®. This increase applies to all basis weights, finishes, grade extensions and related private label products.

Effective with shipments of November 1, 2017 West Linn Paper Company will be increasing prices of our coated products by 4 - 7% on all surfaces of the following products: •Capistrano •Sonoma •Nature Plus •Nature. This price increase applies to all basis weights and finishes plus all related private label grades and associated brand extensions.

Paper Ltd. is pleased to announce that the Fortress Specialty Cellulose Mill (the "FSC Mill") restarted on October 6, 2017, three days earlier than previously announced in its September 27, 2017 news release. The Company has completed the necessary repairs at the FSC Mill caused by the failure of a pressurized auxiliary gas collection system and has re-commenced production of dissolving pulp. Mr. Giovanni Iadeluca, President of the FSC Mill, commented: "We wish to thank our team at the FSC Mill for their tireless efforts in resolving the system failure and achieving a restart three days earlier than originally anticipated. The FSC Mill restarted the normal ramp up of its operations on October 6th, the production and cogeneration facility are now operating in ordinary course.” Click Read More below for additional detail.

Ned is an industry veteran with more than 30 years in the pulp and paper industry gained in progressively senior roles with global companies. He most recently served as Catalyst’s Chief Operating Officer. Ned is recognized for successfully leading major operational and performance improvements in cost, productivity, efficiency, quality and safety. He has a track record for successful machine start-ups and rebuilds, as well as leading product development for emerging markets. Ned holds a Bachelor of Science (Paper Science and Engineering) from the State University of New York and Syracuse University.

Underlying operating profit for the third quarter of 2017 of €245 million was 8% above the comparable prior year period (€227 million). The Group benefited from higher average selling prices partly offset by higher costs and negative currency effects. Underlying operating profit was in line with the second quarter of 2017, with the positive pricing momentum seen across most product segments offset by rising costs, negative currency effects and the usual seasonal downturn in Uncoated Fine Paper. Like-for-like sales volumes were above the comparable prior year period, driven by good growth in containerboard and Fibre Packaging. Selling prices for the Group’s key paper grades were above those of both the comparable prior year period and the previous quarter as the upward momentum in pricing witnessed over the first half continued. Costs were generally higher than the comparable prior year period and the previous quarter. Wood, energy and chemical costs were higher than the comparable prior year period while benchmark paper for recycling prices were up 15% compared to the third quarter of 2016, and 6% higher sequentially. Click Read More below for additional detail.

The key terms of the proposed recapitalization transaction are: - Issuance of a new senior secured EUR 250 million bond loan carrying 8.5 % interest with a 2022 maturity to the owners of the EUR 290 million bond loan and the EUR 100 million NSF-facility. The new bond loan will have the same collateral security as today's secured debt. The existing claims of the secured bond loan holders and NSF-lenders in excess of EUR 250 million, including accrued interest, will be converted to equity. - The conversion into equity of all outstanding unsecured bond debt amounting to approximately EUR 500 million including accrued interest. - After such conversions, the equity ownership of Norske Skogindustrier ASA will be split as follows: a. Secured note holders: 91.0 % b. Unsecured noteholders: 6.3 % c. Existing shareholders: 2.7 % - The board will propose an equity offering by Norske Skogindustrier ASA of up to approximately NOK 500 million with preferential rights for existing unsecured bondholders and shareholders, allocated by approximately NOK 300 million to the unsecured bondholders and approximately NOK 200 million to the shareholders. If fully subscribed, this will entail an increase in their ownership interest from 9 % to approximately 28 %. The subscription price will be set at a valuation of 6x the revised 2017 GOE guidance of EUR 75 million. - Warrants will be issued for up to 10 % of the equity in Norske Skogindustrier ASA to those who have subscribed to the above equity offering. The warrants entitle the holders to subscribe for shares if the sum of the group's average net debt and market value exceeds EUR 525 million in a consecutive period of 6 months prior to 30 June 2019. The subscription rights expire worthless on 30 June 2019 if not exercised. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Valmet will supply a vast grade conversion rebuild with a wide scope of automation for Sappi Lanaken Mill in Belgium. In the project, the mill's paper machine 8 (PM8) currently producing lightweight coated (LWC) paper grades will be rebuilt to also produce lightweight and high-quality woodfree coated paper grades, which the mill will gradually start producing. The start-up of the rebuilt machine is scheduled for 2019. The project is an EPC delivery (engineering, procurement and construction) with an extensive site operation scope. The order was included in Valmet's third quarter of 2017 orders received. The value of the order will not be disclosed. The value of an order of this type is typically around EUR 60-80 million. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Effective with all new and existing orders with confirmed delivery dates of November 1, 2017 or later, Verso Corporation is increasing the transaction price of all Coated Freesheet Web and Coated Groundwood Web grades by $2.00/cwt USD/$2.70/cwt CAD. This announcement includes, but, is not limited to: Coated Freesheet Web: ArborWeb Plus® web; Sterling® Ultra web; Sterling® Ultra TrueJet® web; Sterling® Ultra caliper web; TrueJet® Book web; Publishers Matte®; Publishers ThinBulk®; ArborWeb®; Influence® web; Focus® web. Coated Groundwood Web: Liberty® web; Balance® web; New Era® Matte; New Era® ThinBulk. The increase applies to all basis weights, bulks, finishes and related private label grades.

Mitsubishi HiTec Paper will be increasing prices for the whole THERMOSCRIPT thermal paper range as well as the GIROFORM carbonless paper range on January 1, 2018. The level of increase will vary depending on region and application. This is due to the further increased raw material and logistics costs, as the company says in the press release received by Lesprom Network. Mitsubishi HiTec Paper Europe GmbH is a German subsidiary of Mitsubishi Paper Mills Ltd., Japan, one of the world's leading manufacturers of specialty paper.

Glatfelter announced the introduction of Adena Opaque 96, a new brighter and whiter shade of paper, providing an additional cost-effective option to its growing line of opaque papers, further enhancing the ability for customers to bundle products and streamline their supply chain. Adena Opaque 96 is manufactured at Glatfelter’s Specialty Papers facilities in Chillicothe, OH and Spring Grove, PA, whose central locations enable Glatfelter to offer service that supports small orders and quick turn requests. “Glatfelter offers one of the broadest uncoated paper portfolios and has been the industry’s trusted source for book publishing and uncoated printing papers for more than 150 years. With the introduction of Adena Opaque 96, customers will have the ability to bundle nearly a dozen different product lines such as: tags, ledgers, index, inkjet, security papers, carbonless, laser MOCR and form bond, just to name a few,” said David Dickerhoof, Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Glatfelter’s Specialty Papers Business Unit. “One call to Glatfelter avoids the cost and inconvenience of coordinating multiple suppliers and eliminates freight inefficiencies, saving customers time and money.”

Norske Skog is in the process of finalizing the documentation for a revised consent solicitation proposal to the group's bondholders and shareholders. The revised consent solicitation proposal will be made public within 1700 CET, Tuesday 10 October 2017. It is very important to emphasize to our customers, suppliers, employees and other stakeholders of the Norske Skog group that the production at our seven paper mills and the other operating business of the group's subsidiaries will continue as normal irrespective of the outcome of the recapitalization process.

UPM is proud to introduce a unique paper innovation at the exhibition: UPM Impresse plus C. This pioneering SC paper is custom-developed for coldset web offset printing, offering a smooth, silky finish, solid images and a soft velvety touch. For coldset printers the paper offers an excellent opportunity to grow their core business by adding higher quality commercial titles, inserts, special-interest supplements and value-added advertising to their portfolios. The use of value-added papers in coldset printing improves print quality, meets the varied needs of advertisers and thus increases press utilisation in commercial printing. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Verso Corporation announced that Robert M. Amen, chairman of the company's board of directors, has decided not to stand for reelection at the company's 2018 annual meeting of stockholders and, in connection with his decision, has resigned as chairman of the board effective October 6, 2017. In connection with Amen's resignation as chairman, the Verso board has selected Eugene I. Davis, chair of the Strategic Advisory Committee and chair of the Finance and Planning Committee of the board, and Alan J. Carr, chair of the Compensation Committee of the board, as interim co-chairmen of the board. In a joint statement, Davis and Carr said, "On behalf of the entire board, we want to express our gratitude to Rob for his service to Verso. With grace, wisdom and dedication, Rob led by example as chairman of the board. We are pleased that he intends to remain on the board until the end of his term as a director, and we wish him the best in all of his future endeavors."

Sappi North America announces a transactional price increase of $2.00/cwt USD/($2.70/cwt CAD) on new and unconfirmed orders that book with confirmed delivery dates on or after Wednesday, November 1, 2017 on the following products: McCoy Web, Opus Web, Somerset Web, Flo Web, Galerie Web . Standard differentials and upcharges apply. The price increase includes all basis weights and finishes and all private label programs.

Mohawk, North America’s largest privately-owned manufacturer of fine papers, envelopes and specialty substrates for commercial and digital printing, announces the continued expansion of its wide format inkjet portfolio designed to meet the needs of the growing display graphics market. New products in Mohawk’s Wide Format Inkjet portfolio include Fine Paper for art reproduction, metallic-faced adhesives, economy canvas, and a non-skid product for floor display graphics. New items are designed to support a wide variety of printing applications. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Next week, Midland Paper, Packaging + Supplies, one of North America's largest independent distributors of media for business communications, will be participating for a third year in a row as a Gold Sponsor in the thINK 2017 Customer Conference. This exclusive industry event will take place in Boca Raton, FL from October 9 - 11. thINK 2017 is one of the largest invitation-only, hosted summits designed for senior managers and business executives who want to understand how Canon Solutions America’s production inkjet printing technology, software and solutions will help them grow their business now and in the future. The event is sold out with over 500 Canon Solutions America customers, industry leaders and solution partners coming together as a powerful community designed to connect, collaborate and inspire. “We are honored and excited to once again participate as a founding partner of this incredibly important independent user group and industry event. Our goal at Midland is to help Canon customers across the country address their most challenging inkjet media needs with new products and solid solutions”, said David Field, Midland’s Senior Business Manager, Inkjet Technologies. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Appleton Coated sale 'like a death in the family,' worker says after Thursday ruling Industrial Assets Corp., a used machine dealer and liquidator based in Los Angeles, will be the new owner of the Appleton Coated paper mill as of Friday. The $20 million sale, plus a $1.5 million backstop fund, was approved by Outagamie County Judge Gregory Gill in a hearing on Thursday morning. It included $2.25 million to cover employee health insurance through October and wages for about 100 employees to be recalled for a few weeks to keep the mill at "hot idle" status. That number will then be reduced to 30 employees. The new modified agreement includes the stipulation that Industrial Assets will market the mill for 90 days to see if a new buyer can be found who will restart and operate the mill as a going concern. According to the modified purchase agreement, Industrial Assets met with Appleton Coated management and “determined that the management’s projections for profitable short-term operations were not achievable.” Click Read More below for more of the story.

After the release of the stock exchange notice of today at 17:21, the company has been informed that the board of Norske Skog AS has decided to support an extension of the consent solicitation deadline for the board's recapitalization proposal. However, due to practical matters, it was not possible to make the Norske Skog AS resolution within the deadline at 17:00 CET, and consequently, the offer period has expired. The discussions with the key stakeholder groups will continue in order to achieve a consensual recapitalization solution for the Norske Skog group during the next days even though the offer period has expired. If these discussions are successful, an updated recapitalization proposal will be launched.

International Paper (IP) intends to stop newsprint production at the Madrid mill in Spain in mid-September, according to Euwid. The sites PM62 will be converted to production of containerboard slated to start in the fourth quarter of this year, as planned. The company is targeting a full ramp-up of the machine for early 2018. IP acquired the Madrid mill from Holmen in mid-2016 with the aim to make it a mill for recycled corrugated case material. PM 62 has the capacity to produce 330,000 tpy of newsprint.

Appvion, Inc. announced that it has received approval from the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware of all of the first day motions related to its Chapter 11 filing. Collectively, the orders issued by the Bankruptcy Court will help ensure that the Company continues operating its business in the ordinary course during its restructuring process. “We remain focused on operating our business as usual and serving our customers’ needs as we continue constructive discussions with our lenders on an expedited restructuring and emergence,” said Kevin Gilligan, Chief Executive Officer of Appvion. “The approval of our first day motions transitions us smoothly into our restructuring process, from which we expect to emerge with a sustainable capital structure, well positioned to compete, and primed to further invest in the innovation that has made Appvion a market leader in coated paper.” Click Read More below for additional detail.

Avery Dennison Corporation said it has made an investment in Gauzy, an Israeli-based developer and manufacturer of liquid-crystal-based materials, films, applications and solutions for a variety of end markets including construction, automotive, consumer electronics, home appliances, the solar industry and more. Based in Tel Aviv, Israel, Gauzy has successfully commercialized several initial “smart glass” products, including an embedded switchable window film that can alternate from clear and frosted with the touch of a button. Gauzy is the lead provider that offers a fully warranted, integrated solution that includes window films, hardware controllers for film operation and preservation, and complete certification and training with verification tools for worldwide partners. The film is currently used in architectural applications and is under evaluation for automotive applications. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Mondi, the international packaging and paper Group, will exhibit its wide range of professional paper solutions for book printing at the Frankfurt Bookfair held from 11 to 15 October in Frankfurt, Germany. The Mondi booth is located in Hall 4 / Booth F94. As a professional printing paper manufacturer, Mondi offers sustainable paper solutions for all printing technologies and needs. Book printing customers will find more than they expect at the Mondi booth. Johannes Klumpp, Marketing & Sales Director at Mondi Uncoated Fine Paper, explains, “We can offer the right solution for any printing technology – whether digital, hybrid, offset, HP indigo or high-speed inkjet. At the Frankfurt Bookfair, customers can explore the quality of Mondi’s design papers, tinted portfolio and our high-speed inkjet papers.” Click Read More below for additional detail.

Norske Skog has decided to extend the consent solicitation deadline for the ongoing recapitalization proposal from 3 October until Thursday 5 October at 17:00 CET. Norske Skog will use the period up to the new expiration deadline to speed up the continued discussions with the various stakeholder groups to try to achieve sufficient support for a consensual recapitalization solution for the Norske Skog group. The Board of Directors will continue to follow and evaluate the situation thoroughly during this period. We need some extra time to align initiatives among the various stakeholders. We believe that the extension of the consent deadline will improve the chances of reaching a solution," said Mr. Christen Sveaas, Chairman of Norske Skogindustrier ASA.

Five years ago this week, many in the Strait of Canso area breathed a collective sigh of relief when its largest single employer restarted production after a yearlong shutdown. The reopening of what is now Port Hawkesbury Paper came after a year of legal wrangling and negotiations with the various groups that have a stake in the future of the mill, formerly NewPage Port Hawkesbury, which had shut down when its parent company filed for bankruptcy protection in the United States. It’s a very different company than when it shut down in September 2011. Only one of the mill’s two paper machines — the newer supercalendered machine that produces paper for the magazine and catalogue market — went back into production, cutting the number of employees by about half to around 300. Click Read More below for more of the story.

Appleton Coated’s employees were left hanging Monday afternoon with no news on their mill's sale to Industrial Assets Corp., a used machine dealer and liquidator based in Los Angeles. Last Monday, Outagamie County judge Gregory Gill asked lawyers to have the modified purchase agreement complete in five business days. On the fifth day, which was Monday, the court closed at 4:30 p.m. with nothing filed. Many questions linger about what's going to be in the final documents. Will the mill still get a 45-day reprieve in which an estimated 195 workers will be called back to operate some of the paper machines? Will Industrial Assets use that time to seek a new buyer who could potentially operate the mill going forward? About 550 of the 620 employees were laid off on Sept. 19 and 20. Click Read More below for more of the story.

American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) President and CEO Donna Harman and Clearwater Paper Corporation President and CEO and AF&PA Board Chair Linda Massman issued the following statement after attending the White House “Cut the Red Tape” event where Vice President Mike Pence outlined the administration’s regulatory agenda. “We support the administration in its mission to achieve regulatory reform that will allow the paper and wood products industry to innovate, invest, create jobs and compete at home and around the globe,” said Harman. “Our companies account for four percent of U.S. manufacturing GDP, employ 900,000 men and women in rural and urban communities across 45 states and meet a roughly $50 billion annual payroll. When we work together to advance regulatory policies that unleash economic growth, our industry’s future only brightens.” Click Read More below for more of the story.

The company will exhibit its full range of premium coated and uncoated papers for the publishing industry. Once again, Lecta will attend the Frankfurt Book Fair, October 11th to 15th, bringing together professionals worldwide at the largest publishing event of the year. This year, Lecta will present its new book "Vertical", a suggestive series of photographs taken vertically from a variety of perspectives and distances. The book is printed on Lecta's premium range of publishing papers, showing the excellent print results that can be achieved on a number of different papers. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Appvion, Inc. announced that it and certain of its subsidiaries filed voluntary petitions for relief under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware to facilitate a balance sheet restructuring and better position the business for long-term growth and success. The Company expects to continue operations as usual and has obtained a commitment for $85 million in new debtor-in-possession ("DIP") financing from a group of its first lien lenders. Subject to Bankruptcy Court approval, this DIP financing, combined with cash generated by the Company, is expected to provide more than adequate liquidity to support ongoing operations during the process. "We thoroughly explored various alternatives to address our debt and have been engaged in constructive discussions with our lenders regarding sponsorship of a plan to delever the Company and enhance our liquidity," said Kevin Gilligan, Chief Executive Officer of Appvion. "While those discussions are active and continuing, we determined that pursuing a restructuring through Chapter 11 is the best path forward for Appvion and our stakeholders. We believe this process will result in a sustainable capital structure for our business." Click Read More below for additional detail.

Norske Skog has decided to extend the consent solicitation deadline for the ongoing recapitalization proposal from 29 September until Tuesday 3 October at 17:00 CET. The consent solicitation deadline has been extended from Friday 29 September until Tuesday 3 October 2017 at 17:00 CET. Norske Skog will use the period prior to the new expiration deadline to continue discussions with various stakeholder groups to try to achieve sufficient support for a consensual recapitalization solution for the Norske Skog group. The Board of Directors will continue to follow and evaluate the situation thoroughly during this period. - The recapitalization process is challenging, as we knew it would be, but we want to allow time to finalize our discussions with the various stakeholders. We believe that the extension of the consent deadline will improve the chances of reaching a solution, especially after the last day's actions from different stakeholders. As we have previously made clear, the board of Norske Skogindustrier ASA firmly believes that only less beneficial alternatives to a consensual solution exist. Norske Skog has 7 profitable business units that will continue normal operations regardless of the outcome of the consent solicitation process," said Mr. Christen Sveaas, Chairman of Norske Skogindustrier ASA.

UPM Plywood starts using a new sustainable lignin based WISA BioBond gluing technology in plywood manufacturing. In the new technology 50% of the fossil-based phenol has been replaced with lignin obtained as a by product of kraf pulp production. "Our long term goal has been to develop a gluing technology that utilizes lignin as raw material. The technological breakthrough that now has been achieved is the most significant innovation in plywood gluing in five decades" says Susanna Rinne, Vice President, Business Development at UPM Plywood. UPM Plywood plans to take the new gluing technology into use gradually in all of its plywood mills. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Irving Consumer Products broke ground on the construction of their new $400 million state-of-the-art tissue plant in Macon, Georgia today at an event at the site of their future home. Joined by Mayor Robert Reichert and Charlie Gatlin, Special Projects Advisor for Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD), President Robert K. Irving acknowledged the next step in the construction of the new facility. “We’re excited to begin construction on this new plant. The plant will create over 200 permanent, skilled jobs and allow us to continue to meet our customers’ growing demands,” said Robert K. Irving, President of Irving Consumer Products. “It will also provide growth in our home province. The pulp will be from Irving Woodlands, manufactured at our New Brunswick pulp mill.” The new plant will produce ultra-premium quality household paper products including soft bath tissue and high quality paper towel that is both strong and absorbent. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Questions remain on exact details of Appleton Coated's sale to Industrial Assets Corp. after a marathon six-hours-plus hearing Monday in Outagamie County court. Questions also remain on exactly what its 600-plus employees can expect – or hope for – in the long run. It appears the mill has dodged the bullet of an immediate shutdown and liquidation, but might only operate in a limited capacity for 45 days with a staff of 195, about a third of its workers. Still, that's a victory some are celebrating. “We get a second chance,” said Tom Nelson, Outagamie County executive. Nelson had initially objected to the mill's sale to the liquidator and petitioned for more time for a different buyer to come forward in a joint statement with Combined Locks village president John Neumeier. Click Read More below for more of the story.

Fortress Paper Ltd. reports that it has completed an assessment of the failure of a pressurized auxiliary gas collection system at the Fortress Specialty Cellulose Mill (the "FSC Mill") in Thurso, Québec that was reported on September 21, 2017. The Company has identified the source of the failure and is in the process of repairing and replacing the damaged components. The Company has dispatched personnel to multiple supplier and repair locations to further attempt to expedite the work to be completed. Based on best effort commitments provided by equipment and parts suppliers, management believes that production at the FSC Mill will be restarted on or prior to October 9, 2017. The Fifth Digester Project continues to advance in the normal course and the cogeneration facility continues to operate at a reduced rate. Click Read More below for additional detail.