May 22, 2015. /Lesprom Network/. Neenah Paper’s consolidated net sales of $228.2 million in the 1Q 2015 grew 1% compared with $225.1 million in the 1Q 2014. Growth resulted from volume gains in Technical Products, including the July 2014 filtration acquisition, improved selling prices and a higher value mix in both business segments. These items more than offset the impact of currency translation, which reduced sales by $14 million, or 7%, due to a stronger US dollar versus the euro, as the company said in the press release received by Lesprom Network.

Adjusted operating income was $28.8 million in 2015 compared with $23.3 million in the 1Q 2014. While there were no adjusting items in 2015, 2014 adjusted operating income excluded $0.3 million for restructuring costs. Higher income in 2015 reflected revenue growth and lower input costs in 2015 that more than offset increased SG&A and negative impacts of currency translation.

"Our businesses had a strong start to the year led by volume-driven growth in filtration and other technical products markets as well as margin recovery in Fine Paper and Packaging following last year's spike in winter energy costs. While the strong US dollar materially impacted our top line, effective cost control and lower input costs helped our teams completely mitigate currency impacts on the bottom line," said John O'Donnell, CEO.

Neenah is a leading global specialty materials company, focused on premium niche markets that value performance and image. Key products and markets include advanced filtration media, specialized substrates used for tapes, labels and other products, and premium printing and packaging papers.