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WestRock Company (NYSE: WRK) has just announced it will permanently cease operations at its mill in Panama City, Florida, by June 6, 2022.

The mill produces containerboard, primarily heavyweight kraft, and fluff pulp, with a combined annual capacity of 645,000 tons. Select grades of containerboard currently produced at the mill will be manufactured at other WestRock facilities.

2015 10 18 094836“A decision to close a facility and impact the lives of our employees is never easy to make,” said David B. Sewell, chief executive officer at WestRock. “As we implement our plans to close the Panama City mill, we do so with great appreciation for the many contributions of the team there. We are committed to assisting our Panama City team with exploring roles at other WestRock locations and outplacement assistance.”

WestRock is committed to improving its return on invested capital as well as maximizing the performance of its assets, and the Panama City mill would require significant capital investment to maintain and improve going forward. In addition, production of fluff pulp is not a priority in the company’s strategy to focus on higher value markets. By closing this mill, significant capital that would be required to keep the mill competitive in the future will be deployed to improve other key assets.

The Panama City mill employs approximately 450 people. Employees of the Panama City mill will receive severance and outplacement assistance in accordance with Company policy and labor union agreements.

About WestRock

WestRock (NYSE: WRK) partners with our customers to provide differentiated, sustainable paper and packaging solutions that help them win in the marketplace. WestRock’s team members support customers around the world from locations spanning North America, South America, Europe, Asia and Australia. Learn more at www.westrock.com.

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Company Receives 14 Awards at Annual Paperboard Packaging Competition, Including Sustainability Award of the Year

WestRock Company (NYSE: WRK), a leading provider of differentiated paper and packaging solutions, was recognized for packaging design excellence at the 78th Annual North American Paperboard Packaging Competition. The company won a total of 14 awards, including Sustainability Award of the Year, reinforcing its commitment to imagining and delivering on the promise of a more sustainable future.

Sponsored by the Paperboard Packaging Council (PPC) and judged by packaging experts, the awards recognize best-in-class innovative and sustainable packaging designs in the North American folding carton industry.

WestRock CanCollar®, with Coca-Cola Europacific Partners and LERVIG Brewing, received the Sustainability Award of the Year. CanCollar is an innovative family of fiber-based multipack solutions for canned beverages that enables brands to transition from single-use plastic rings and shrink film into recyclable paperboard solutions. Whether they require minimal material usage, lid coverage for hygiene, or bar-code masking and billboard space for brand messages, the CanCollar family of designs and the CanCollar Fortuna® packaging machinery platform offer brands an array of sustainable packaging options.

WestRock was recognized with 14 awards for packaging design excellence at the 78th Annual North American Paperboard Packaging Competition. Pictured: WestRock CanCollar®, with Coca-Cola Europacific Partners and LERVIG Brewing, received the Sustainability Award of the Year. (Photo: Business Wire)WestRock was recognized with 14 awards for packaging design excellence at the 78th Annual North American Paperboard Packaging Competition. Pictured: WestRock CanCollar®, with Coca-Cola Europacific Partners and LERVIG Brewing, received the Sustainability Award of the Year. (Photo: Business Wire)

“We’re honored to be recognized by the Paperboard Packaging Council for our innovativepackaging designs,” said Patrick Kivits, president of Consumer Packaging at WestRock. “We celebrate this achievement alongside our customers, who were instrumental in bringing our winning solutions to markets. Working together, we are delivering on our promise of a more sustainable future.”

In addition to the Sustainability Award of the Year, WestRock received seven Gold awards and six Excellence awards for a variety of packaging solutions. For more information, including photos of the winning packaging innovation, visit https://www.westrock.com/ppcawards2021.

A full list of the winners is included below:

  • WestRock CanCollar® with Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, LERVIG Brewing, Sustainability Award of the Year
  • WestRock Cluster-Wing™ with Kraft Heinz, Gold Award, Outstanding Achievement in Sustainability and Innovation
  • TAO Sushi Carton, Gold Award, Outstanding Achievement in Sustainability and Innovation
  • Columbia Classics Collection, Gold Award, Outstanding Achievement in Innovation
  • Sally Hansen Mentos Gift Pack, Gold Award
  • Raasay Single Malt Whisky, Gold Award
  • Nestlé Smarties Hexatube, Gold Award
  • WestRock EcoPush™ with Chagrin Valley, Gold Award
  • Colgate Optic White, Excellence Award, Achievement in Sustainability
  • Stella Artois Midnight Lager, Excellence Award
  • Oozlefinch/Hop Culture FML Fest Shipper & Photo Box Set, Excellence Award, Achievement in Innovation
  • Sleeman Bag Toss Hack Pack, Excellence Award
  • Die Besten von Ferrero Adventskalender, Excellence Award
  • The Hershey Company Reese's Holiday Miniatures, Excellence Award

About WestRock

WestRock (NYSE: WRK) partners with our customers to provide differentiated, sustainable paper and packaging solutions that help them win in the marketplace. WestRock’s team members support customers around the world from locations spanning North America, South America, Europe, Asia and Australia. Learn more at www.westrock.com.

Source: WestRock Company

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WestRock Company (NYSE: WRK), a leading provider of differentiated, sustainable paper and packaging solutions, have just announced the future retirement of Jeff Chalovich, president of Corrugated Packaging and chief commercial officer, after an incredible 23-year career with WestRock. Moving forward, WestRock has also announced an evolution of its commercial and operational leadership structure and team reporting to president and chief executive officer, David B. Sewell.

Jeff Chalovich has made substantial contributions to both WestRock and the paper and packaging industry. During his career, Jeff has held various management and leadership roles in the Company’s commercial, containerboard and corrugated packaging businesses. He will retire from WestRock in August 2021.

2015 10 18 094836“Jeff is well respected across the industry as an expert in corrugated packaging, and he has led the commercial and corrugated team incredibly well during his time with our Company,” said Sewell. “As a member of our leadership team, Jeff has led the development of our commercial organization and set the strategic and operational foundation for our corrugated packaging business. I and the rest of the WestRock team wish Jeff the very best in retirement.”

In addition, the Company announced a new commercial and operational leadership structure aligned with WestRock’s goals of leveraging the power of the enterprise, accelerating innovation and leading in sustainability. This new structure will enhance market alignment, enable greater agility and deliver stronger efficiencies.

"This structure aligns with the focus I have highlighted on enhancing our commercial strategy, operational excellence and productivity across the enterprise, which are all important levers to meet and exceed the needs of our customers by delivering differentiated solutions that will accelerate profitable growth, " said Sewell. "I am confident the changes we are making will further strengthen our Company and create value for our shareholders."

New Executive Leadership Structure and Roles

  • Patrick (Pat) Lindner is assuming the role of president, Commercial, Innovation and Sustainability. In this role, Pat is responsible for leading the Company’s strategy, marketing, innovation, sustainability, enterprise commercial operations and machinery business. Bringing these critical functions together will accelerate the Company’s efforts to bring complete solutions for WestRock’s customers through WestRock’s unique portfolio.
  • Patrick Kivits is assuming the role of president, Consumer Packaging. This business includes folding cartons and specialty packaging in the branded consumer, healthcare and food and beverage businesses.
  • Pete Durette is assuming the role of president, Corrugated Packaging, leading the converting sales and operations for the corrugated box business.
  • John O’Neal is assuming the role of president, Global Paper. This new organization combines the sales and commercial operations of the Consumer and Corrugated paperboard and containerboard businesses.
  • Tom Stigers is now responsible for the operations of all WestRock mills in the role of president, Mill Operations. By combining the Consumer and Corrugated mill operations in one organization, WestRock will drive greater efficiency and effectiveness across the mill network.

About WestRock

WestRock (NYSE:WRK) partners with our customers to provide differentiated, sustainable paper and packaging solutions that help them win in the marketplace. WestRock’s team members support customers around the world from locations spanning North America, South America, Europe, Asia and Australia. Learn more at www.westrock.com

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WestRock Company (NYSE: WRK) has just announced that it plans to reduce its solid bleached sulphate (SBS) mill system production capacity by 200,000 tons by shutting down one paper machine at its Evadale, Texas, mill.

2015 10 18 094836This shutdown of the paper machine at the Evadale mill is expected to occur by the end of 2020 and reduce headcount at the mill by 60 employees. The remaining two machines at the Evadale mill will continue to support important end markets, including liquid packaging, foodservice, food and premium coated pre-print liner for corrugated boxes, among other grades. The company’s total SBS production capacity after this action will be approximately 1.9 million tons.

“As a company, we aim to balance our supply with our customers’ demand,” said Patrick Lindner, chief innovation officer and president, Consumer Packaging for WestRock. “Given current economic conditions and anticipated supply needs, we believe that reducing production capacity at the Evadale mill will improve its competitiveness while enabling WestRock to more efficiently serve our customers.”

About WestRock

WestRock (NYSE:WRK) partners with our customers to provide differentiated paper and packaging solutions that help them win in the marketplace. WestRock’s team members support customers around the world from locations spanning North America, South America, Europe, Asia and Australia. Learn more at www.westrock.com.

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Company Receives 13 Awards at Annual Paperboard Packaging Competition, Including the Sustainability Award of the Year

WestRock Company, a leading provider of differentiated paper and packaging solutions, was recognized for packaging design excellence at the 76th annual North American Paperboard Packaging Competition. The company won 13 awards - the most of any entrant - including the Sustainability Award of the Year.

2015 10 18 094836Sponsored by the Paperboard Packaging Council (PPC), the competition is judged by a panel of packaging experts. The awards recognize packaging that represents the best in converting excellence, innovation and sustainability that the North American folding carton industry has provided its customers over the past year.

The First Alert package produced by WestRock, which received the Sustainability Award of the Year, replaces a fully enclosed PET blister clamshell with a NatraLock® blister card, a sturdy, flexible, more sustainable alternative to traditional blister seal and clamshell applications.

“WestRock connects people to products through innovative, sustainable packaging,” said Pat Lindner, Chief Innovation Officer and President, Consumer Packaging for WestRock. “We are proud to have been honored by the Paperboard Packaging Council and even prouder of the trust our customers have placed in us. These winning designs represent the value we can provide our customers when we combine our market insights and commitment to sustainability with the design and innovation capabilities of our talented employees.”

In addition to the Sustainability Award of the Year, WestRock received two Gold and 10 Excellence awards for a variety of packaging solutions. A full list is included below, and images can be viewed here.

  • First Alert, Sustainability Award of the Year & Excellence Award
  • Keurig 2018 Winter Holiday Collection, Gold Award
  • WestRock Paper Palette, Gold Award
  • Chick-fil-A Menu XL Menu Tab with Hinged Tray, Excellence Award
  • Oatly Gift Pack, Excellence Award
  • XOFLUZA™ Dosepak, Excellence Award
  • MAYZENT® BAF312 Dosepak, Excellence Award
  • Heineken/Eisenbahn EconoDozen®, Excellence Award
  • Nestlé Goodnight Pillow Pack, Excellence Award
  • Glad® ForceFlex® Plus with MetPet, Excellence Award
  • Michelob ULTRA Beveled Corner 8-Pack, Excellence Award
  • Coca-Cola Shaped Packs, Excellence Award

WestRock

WestRock (NYSE: WRK) partners with our customers to provide differentiated paper and packaging solutions that help them win in the marketplace. WestRock’s team members support customers around the world from locations spanning North America, South America, Europe, Asia and Australia. Learn more at www.westrock.com

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  • Shut down of one paper machine will reduce linerboard capacity by approximately 288,000 tons
  • Focuses mill on manufacture of differentiated DuraSorb® and KraftPak® products
  • Enables approximately $40 million EBITDA improvement

WestRock Company have just announced that it is reconfiguring its North Charleston, SC, paper mill to improve the mill’s operating efficiency and long-term competitiveness.

2015 10 18 094836As part of the reconfiguration, WestRock will permanently shut down one of the mill’s three paper machines and related physical infrastructure, eliminating approximately 288,000 tons of linerboard capacity. The reconfigured mill’s production capacity will total approximately 605,000 tons per year, consisting of three grades: kraft linerboard; KraftPak, an unbleached folding carton kraft paper; and DuraSorb, a saturating kraft paper used for decorative laminate and industrial end uses.

“The actions that we are taking at our North Charleston mill will substantially improve the long-term competitiveness of the mill by reducing our on-going operating costs and capital needs, and focusing more than half of the mill’s production on the high-value, differentiated DuraSorb and KraftPak products,” said Steve Voorhees, chief executive officer of WestRock. “Reducing the production of linerboard at this mill will help balance our supply with customer demand across our system.”

The company anticipates that the reconfiguration will increase WestRock’s annual EBITDA by approximately $40 million, primarily due to the reduction in operating costs from the shutdown of the paper machine and its associated infrastructure. This reconfiguration includes an anticipated workforce reduction of approximately 260 positions at this mill over a five-month period, starting in January 2020.

“We understand that this reconfiguration will impact our employees, their families and the community,” continued Voorhees. “Our teams are working to provide support and resources to our employees and their families as we move forward.”

About WestRock

WestRock (NYSE: WRK) partners with our customers to provide differentiated paper and packaging solutions that help them win in the marketplace. WestRock’s team members support customers around the world from locations spanning North America, South America, Europe, Asia and Australia. Learn more at www.westrock.com

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WestRock Company (NYSE: WRK), a leading provider of differentiated paper and packaging solutions, today provided an estimate of the impact of Hurricane Dorian on its fiscal fourth quarter financial results.

2015 10 18 094836The Company idled three of its containerboard mills in the southeastern United States that were located in areas of mandatory evacuation in the projected path of Hurricane Dorian. All three mills resumed production as the evacuation orders were lifted in their respective areas.

The pre-tax impact from the hurricane on the Company’s financial results for the quarter ending September 30, 2019 is expected to be approximately $9 million. This impact is related to incremental costs to idle and restore the mills to operation, and the supply chain impacts of adapting our operations to meet our system requirements.

The Company will provide additional details during its fiscal fourth quarter earnings conference call.

About WestRock

WestRock (NYSE: WRK) partners with our customers to provide differentiated paper and packaging solutions that help them win in the marketplace. WestRock’s team members support customers around the world from locations spanning North America, South America, Europe, Asia and Australia. Learn more at www.westrock.com

Source: WestRock Company

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WestRock Company has just announced that it has been named to FORTUNE magazine’s annual list of World’s Most Admired Companies for the fourth consecutive year.

WestRock ranked second among companies in the packaging and container industry.

2015 10 18 094836The World’s Most Admired Companies survey measures nine attributes considered critical to a company’s global success, from investment value and quality of management and products to social responsibility and people management. A company’s score must rank in the top half of its industry survey to be listed. The list, widely considered to be the definitive report card on corporate reputation, is based on company surveys and peer ratings from senior executives, directors and analysts. 

“WestRock is honored to be recognized by FORTUNE as one of the world’s most admired companies for the fourth consecutive year,” said Steve Voorhees, WestRock chief executive officer. “This ranking recognizes the commitment and dedication of our 50,000 team members around the world to delivering value for our customers and stockholders.”

The full list appears in the February issue of FORTUNE and is available now at http://fortune.com/worlds-most-admired-companies/ and on newsstands.

About WestRock

WestRock (NYSE: WRK) partners with our customers to provide differentiated paper and packaging solutions that help them win in the marketplace. WestRock’s 50,000 team members support customers around the world from more than 320 operating and business locations spanning North America, South America, Europe, Asia and Australia. Learn more at www.westrock.com

Source: WestRock Shared Services, LLC

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WestRock Company (NYSE: WRK), a leading provider of differentiated paper and packaging solutions, today provided an initial update following the landfall of Hurricane Michael and its impact on the company’s containerboard and pulp mill located in Panama City, Florida.  

2015 10 18 094836As always, our first priority is the safety of our employees and their families. The Panama City area has been devastated by this hurricane, and we are working to support our employees and this community as the recovery begins.

An orderly shut-down process was started on Monday. The mill was in the direct path of the hurricane’s landfall, and it sustained a substantial amount of damage to buildings and equipment.

Our team is currently assessing the extent of the damage to the mill.  At this time, we do not know when the mill will resume operations; this will depend upon the extent of the damage to our facility and the storm’s impact on local infrastructure, including available power supply, the ability of our employees to travel to the mill, and other factors. 

The mill has annual production capacity of 353,000 tons of linerboard and 292,000 tons of market pulp.

The continued storm path is projected to traverse several states in which we have additional operations and the potential impact, if any, on these operations is unknown at this time.

We will provide additional updates as more information is available, and we have fully assessed the impact to our employees, local infrastructure and the mill.

About WestRock

WestRock (NYSE: WRK) partners with our customers to provide differentiated paper and packaging solutions that help them win in the marketplace. WestRock’s 45,000 team members support customers around the world from more than 300 operating and business locations spanning North America, South America, Europe, Asia and Australia. Learn more at www.westrock.com

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WestRock Company (NYSE: WRK), a leading provider of differentiated paper and packaging solutions, has just provided an update following the landfall of Hurricane Florence.

2015 10 18 094836We are pleased that we have had no reported employee injuries and do not believe we have suffered any material physical damage to our facilities during the recent storm. We are working to restore normal operations at our facilities in the impacted region. We idled our kraft linerboard mill in Florence, South Carolina, in the middle of last week in advance of the landfall of Hurricane Florence. Yesterday, two of the three paper machines at the mill resumed operations, and we expect normal operations to resume after the transportation network in the region returns to normal.

WestRock operates an extensive network of mill and converting facilities in South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia that were in the storm’s potential path. We incurred incremental costs in preparing these facilities and moving inventory, finished product and critical supplies in advance of the storm.  With flooding expected across the region, we may have additional increased input and operational costs and issues in our supply chain, as well as experience negative impact from disruptions at our customers’ locations. We expect to provide an estimate as to the impact on our business and financial results later this month.

About WestRock
WestRock (NYSE: WRK) partners with our customers to provide differentiated paper and packaging solutions that help them win in the marketplace. WestRock’s 45,000 team members support customers around the world from more than 300 operating and business locations spanning North America, South America, Europe, Asia and Australia. Learn more at www.westrock.com

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