Jul 28, 2011. /Lesprom Network/. Clearwater Paper Corporation reported net earnings of $13.9 million for the 2Q 2011, compared to net earnings of $20.6 million for the 2Q 2010. The 2Q 2011 earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, or EBITDA, was $52.4 million, compared to $49.2 million in the 2Q 2010. EBITDA in the 2Q 2011 includes $9.1 million of Cellu Tissue integration-related expenses and tissue expansion costs related to Shelby, as the company said in a statement received by Lesprom Network. Clearwater Paper acquired Cellu Tissue Holdings, Inc. on December 27, 2010. The 2Q 2011 includes Cellu Tissue’s results, which is the primary reason for many of the variances on a year-over-year basis. “2Q results were solid after considering the significant cost pressures for many of our inputs,” said Gordon Jones, chairman, president and CEO. “We continue to make good progress on integrating Cellu Tissue and on increasing the value we expect this acquisition to bring to Clearwater Paper. As a result, we are pleased to increase our estimated net annual synergies from $15-$20 million to $35-$40 million, expected to be achieved by the end of 2012. “Additionally, we recently celebrated the grand opening of our converting and distribution facility at Shelby, North Carolina, with the start-up of the first two converting lines,” added Jones. Clearwater Paper manufactures quality consumer tissue, away-from-home tissue, parent roll tissue, machine glazed tissue, bleached paperboard, pulp and wood products at 15 manufacturing locations in the U.S. and Canada.