Feb 24, 2011. /Lesprom Network/. Neenah Paper, Inc. posted 4Q 2010 net income of $6.8 million or $0.43 per share, compared to $4.9 million or $0.33 per share in the prior year quarter. Consolidated net sales of $160 million in the 4Q 2010 increased 4% compared with the prior year period, as the company said in a press release received by Lesprom Network. For the full year, net sales of $658 million in 2010 increased 15% from $574 million in 2009. Earnings per diluted common share of $1.61 in 2010 compared with a loss of $0.12 per share in 2009. Excluding special items mostly related to the 2009 closure and 2010 sale of the Ripon mill, adjusted earnings per share of $1.47 in 2010 were almost double adjusted per share earnings of $0.76 in 2009. Commenting on results, Sean Erwin, Chairman and CEO, said "The 4Q provided a solid finish to a very successful year and also reflected a return to more normal patterns of seasonality compared with a rapidly recovering economy in late 2009. We are pleased with our continued top-line growth in the quarter, including record sales for filtration, and for the full year, Technical Products revenues are back to pre-recession levels, but with record profits. While input costs remain near all-time highs, we continue to offset the majority of this with volume growth, cost improvements and price realization. Our competitive position is strong, and our businesses are generating significant cash flows which we have used to reduce long-term debt and to increase dividend payments to our shareholders." Operating income of $55.1 million in 2010 compared to $16.4 million in 2009. Excluding adjustments due primarily to the 2009 closure and 2010 sale of the Ripon mill, operating income in 2010 was $51.7 million and increased 54 percent from $33.5 million in 2009. Operating income increased in 2010 as a result of higher volumes, increased selling prices, an improved mix, and lower operational costs that combined to offset approximately $33 million of higher input costs. Adjustments to operating income included a charge of $17.1 million related to the May 2009 closure of the Ripon fine paper mill and a gain of $3.4 million from the sale of the mill in October 2010. Neenah Paper is a leader in premium and performance-based products used in a variety of applications. Its technical products business manufactures a variety of base substrates and applies saturating, coating and other surface treatments to make filtration media, backing and release papers, and other specialty materials for industrial and consumer applications. Neenah also produces premium fine papers for high-end printing and writing needs.