Catalyst Announces SC Price Increase

International Paper (NYSE: IP) today announced plans to invest approximately $300 million to convert its No. 15 paper machine at the Riverdale Mill in Selma, Ala. from uncoated freesheet to high quality whitetop linerboard and containerboard. The conversion is targeted to be completed by mid-year 2019. The investment will add 450,000 tons of annual capacity, with flexibility to shift between containerboard products. Converting Riverdale No. 15 will position International Paper to grow its Industrial Packaging business, continue to provide attractive jobs to Riverdale team members and remain a significant supplier of uncoated freesheet in North America. "Our customers expect us to support their growth and this machine conversion will meet their needs," said Tim Nicholls, IP's senior vice president, Industrial Packaging the Americas. "Our Industrial Packaging business continues to focus on our customers in strategic channels including our box business, domestic and export containerboard and specialty grades."Click Read More below for additional detail.

With the rebuild of PM2, the UPM group will increase the capacity of release paper production by an additional 110,000 t/a. Start-up after the rebuild is scheduled for the final quarter of 2019. The complex rebuild with demanding technological requirements, not only for the equipment but also for the process and product quality, was prepared in close cooperation between UPM and ANDRITZ. Apart from the rebuild of PM2, the ANDRITZ scope of supply also includes modification of the stock preparation system, approach flow and broke system. All sections of the paper machine will be modified. Click Read More below for additional information.

Effective with all new and existing orders with confirmed delivery dates of October 1, 2017 or later, Verso Corporation is increasing the transaction price of all Uncoated Freesheet Grades by as much as 6%. This includes, but, is not limited to: Ideal® Offset; Ideal® Reply Card. The increase applies to all basis weights, bulks, finishes and related private label grades. Should you have any questions, please contact your Midland Paper sales professional.