Mar 03, 2011. /Lesprom Network/. Clearwater Paper Corporation reported financial results for the 4Q ended December 31, 2010. Net earnings for the 4Q 2010, were $37.8 million, compared to net earnings of $47.2 million, for the 4Q 2009. "We had a solid finish to a year in which we had very strong operational execution while also making significant strides on the strategic front,” said Gordon Jones, Chairman, President and CEO. “In the last week of the year we closed the Cellu Tissue acquisition, which significantly enhances our ability to supply existing and new customers and provides us a nationwide manufacturing footprint.” “Throughout the year we also made great progress in the construction of our new facility in North Carolina, which will provide more premium products to our customers. We believe these accomplishments put us in a very strong competitive position for the future,” concluded Jones. Pulp and paperboard segment's 4Q 2010 net sales were $222.5 million, up 16.5% compared to 4Q 2009 net sales of $191.1 million. Operating income for the quarter was $33.1 million, compared to operating income of $52.9 million for the 4Q 2009, which included $47.1 million pre-tax associated with the Alternative Fuel Mixture Tax Credit. Clearwater Paper manufactures quality consumer tissue, away-from-home tissue, parent roll tissue, machine glazed tissue, bleached paperboard, pulp and wood products at 14 manufacturing locations in the U.S. and Canada. The company also produces bleached paperboard used by quality-conscious printers and packaging converters.