Obbola paper mill inaugurated: Increased capacity for better business and increased climate benefit

TC Transcontinental announced that it will be phasing out operations at its Tomah (WI) packaging plant in anticipation of the complete closure of the facility in early February 2024. Operations will gradually be transferred to TC Transcontinental Packaging’s plants in Battle Creek (MI), Clinton (MO), Elgin (IL), Lenexa (KS) and Spartanburg (SC) to ensure a smooth transition for customers and maintain high-quality service. “In line with our priority of optimizing the return on our assets, reducing costs and improving operational efficiency, we have made the decision, after thorough consideration, to close our Tomah, Wisconsin, plant. Servicing our customers in the most competitive manner is something we are constantly evaluating and taking action on,” said Jeff Lasley, Senior Vice President, Dairy, Protein and Pet Food (DPP), Latin America and New Zealand, TC Transcontinental Packaging.

Smurfit Kappa Group plc agrees to acquire Verzuolo, a containerboard business in Northern Italy, for a cash consideration of €360 million. The Verzuolo mill owned by the Burgo Group, is situated close to the port of Savona in the northwest of Italy. The PM9 machine was newly constructed in 2002 and converted into a 600,000 tonne capacity recycled containerboard machine in 2019. Verzuolo is highly complementary to SKG’s existing business and is strategically positioned to serve both the Southern European region and other markets ensuring we continue to provide the best service to our corrugated customers. The acquisition will deliver significant synergistic benefits including technical and production optimisation, and increased containerboard integration within the Group. The cash consideration will be funded from the Group’s existing resources. It is expected that the acquisition will complete during the fourth quarter, subject to customary closing conditions including regulatory approval.

January–September 2020 (compared to 1–9/2019) •Sales were EUR 1,416.4 million (1,453.4). •Comparable operating result was EUR 156.7 million (145.3) or 11.1% (10.0%) of sales. Operating result was EUR 162.7 million (160.8). •Comparable earnings per share were EUR 0.33 (0.32), and earnings per share were EUR 0.34 (0.36). •Comparable return on capital employed was 11.8% ( 11.0%). •Net cash flow from operations was EUR 226.7 million (110.9). July–September 2020 (compared to 7–9/2019) • Sales were EUR 471.2 million (489.2). •Comparable operating result was EUR 62.5 million (42.5), or 13.3% (8.7%) of sales. Operating result was EUR 62.5 million (42.5). •Comparable earnings per share were EUR 0.13 (0.09), and earnings per share were EUR 0.13 (0.09). •Comparable return on capital employed was 14.3% (9.7%). •Net cash flow from operations was EUR 74.4 million (43.8).