Packaging

Graphic Packaging Continues Manufacturing Integration

Wednesday 04. November 2009 - The Company Plans to Close Two U.S. Folding Carton Plants

Graphic Packaging International, Inc., a subsidiary of Graphic Packaging Holding Company (NYSE: GPK), today announced that it plans to close two manufacturing facilities and transition business to other U.S. operating locations. These closures are part of the Company’s continued efforts to achieve synergies related to the March 2008 combination with Altivity Packaging, LLC (“Altivity”).
Graphic Packaging’s folding carton facilities in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and Santa Clara, California, are expected to discontinue production by mid-year 2010. The company’s Santa Clara recycled paperboard mill and Orchard Park, California, facility will not be affected by the closures.
“As one of the world’s largest packaging companies, we continue to push aggressively in 2009 to integrate assets from the 2008 combination between Altivity Packaging and Graphic Packaging and streamline operations,” said David W. Scheible, president and chief executive officer of Graphic Packaging International, Inc. “These key closures will complete the plant rationalization element of our integration efforts.”
“We intend to continue to compete as the lowest cost producer in our markets. Our initiatives to integrate and optimize our manufacturing base ensure that our customers are reliably supported from a solid network of efficient, low-cost manufacturing facilities. As a result of our focus on these goals, we are better positioned today to strengthen our earnings performance and continue to reduce debt even under the current challenging operating environment,” Scheible said.