Aug 11, 2009. /Lesprom Network/. Neenah Paper, Inc. reported a loss from continuing operations for second quarter 2009 of $8.6 million, or $0.58 per diluted common share. Results included restructuring charges (net of tax) of $11.6 million, or $0.79 per share, for the previously announced closure of the company's fine paper mill in Ripon, California. Income from continuing operations in the second quarter of 2008 was $6.2 million, or $0.42 per diluted common share, and included a gain (net of tax) of $1.8 million, or $0.12 per share, from the sale of the Urbana mill. Net of unusual items, adjusted income from continuing operations in the second quarter of 2009 was $3.0 million, or $0.21 per diluted common per share, and compared to a net loss $0.7 million, or $0.05 per share in the first quarter of 2009 and adjusted income of $4.4 million, or $0.30 per share in the second quarter of 2008. Consolidated net sales of $135.2 million in the second quarter of 2009 compared with $134.1 million in the first quarter of 2009 and $194.5 million in the second quarter of 2008. Adjusted operating income, which excludes mill closure costs and gains on asset sales, was $7.5 million in the second quarter of 2009; up from $4.9 million in the first quarter of 2009 but below $11.3 million in the second quarter of 2008. Adjusted income is a non-GAAP measure and is reconciled to GAAP later in this release. Commenting on results, Sean Erwin, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, said, "The sequential improvement in quarterly operating results shows the success of our teams in significantly reducing costs and generating cash in the current economic environment. Technical Products improved notably in the quarter with lower costs and firming sales in some markets, and the May closure of the Ripon mill immediately improved our margins and cost structure for Fine Paper. Strong cash flow generation this year has allowed us to reduce net debt by almost $30 million and sustain an attractive dividend. Our focus and actions will remain on improving margins and delivering cash flow in today's challenging economic times. These actions will yield further benefits as conditions improve."