Apr 30, 2010. /Lesprom Network/. Domtar Corporation reported net earnings of $58 million for the 1Q 2010 compared to net earnings of $124 million for the 4Q 2009 and a net loss of $45 million for the 1Q 2009. Sales for the 1Q 2010 amounted to $1.5 billion, company said in a statement received by Lesprom Network. Domtar had earnings before items of $69 million for the 1Q 2010 compared to earnings before items of $60 million for the 4Q 2009 and a loss before items of $38 million for the 1Q 2009. "Despite a still modest economic recovery we recorded strong financial results due to price increases and higher pulp, paper and wood shipments," said John D. Williams, President and CEO. Discussing the company's operations, Mr. Williams added, "Towards the end of the 1Q, our paper manufacturing system was balanced with our customer demand. We are now operating at full capacity with a lengthening backlog as a result of increased paper demand. We also have built inventories of pulp ahead of the second quarter, as we expect a higher level of maintenance work at our mills and in preparation for the first phase of the recently announced investments at our Kamloops pulp mill that will result in a 41-day shutdown." Domtar Corporation is the largest integrated manufacturer and marketer of uncoated freesheet paper in North America and the second largest in the world based on production capacity, and is also a manufacturer of papergrade, fluff and specialty pulp.