Feb 06, 2012. /Lesprom Network/. Wausau Paper reported 4Q net losses of $28.7 million compared with net earnings of $15.2 million in the prior year. Net sales decreased 3% to $252.7 million while shipments decreased 6% to 153,000 tons due primarily to planned reductions in the Paper segment’s print & color market category, as the company said in a press release received by Lesprom Network. Adjusted 4Q net earnings were $1.8 million compared with prior-year adjusted net earnings of $6.7 million. For the full-year 2011, adjusted net earnings of $12.4 million compared with adjusted net earnings of $23.8 million in the prior year. Net sales decreased 2% to $1,035 million while shipments declined 6 percent to 627,000 tons. Henry C. Newell, president and CEO, commented, “4Q earnings were consistent with our expectations with Tissue returning to double-digit margins and Paper segment profits pressured by print sector performance and reduced technical volumes. The sale of our remaining timberlands and ongoing exit of our participation in print & color markets narrow our focus to growth in profitable tissue and technical paper markets, significantly reduces execution risk and provides for a strong and flexible balance sheet to support our ongoing strategic investments.” Further commenting on 2012 Mr. Newell remarked, “2012 is about growth as we target tissue and technical market sales increases of 8% and 13%, respectively. In addition, we are focused on the 4Q completion and start-up of our new towel and tissue machine at the Harrodsburg facility and our exit from print & color in a manner that delivers value for shareholders, protects long-standing customer relationships and treats our employees with the respect that they have earned.” Mr. Newell continued, “We are determined to deliver year-over-year earnings growth and expect 1Q adjusted earnings in the range of $0.04-$0.07 per share.” Adjusted earnings in the 1Q 2011 were $0.03 per share. Wausau Paper produces and markets specialty papers for industrial, commercial and consumer end markets as well as a complete line of away-from-home towel and tissue products.