Smurfit-Stone enters joint venture at Buffalo corrugated container plant

Sep 07, 2007. /Lesprom Network/. Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation announced on September 6, 2007 its decision to discontinue operations at its Buffalo, New York, corrugated container plant and retool the facility as a dedicated sheet feeder in a joint venture with Jamestown Container and Norampac, Inc. called Niagara Sheets LLC. Existing corrugated container business will transition to the Smurfit-Stone plant in North Tonawanda, New York. The decision to close the Buffalo plant and enter into the joint venture is part of Smurfit-Stone's strategic realignment effort focused on improving overall performance and customer satisfaction. Reorganizing container operations to create specialized manufacturing capabilities, better utilize assets and enhance efficiencies is a key step in positioning the company for future growth and success. The closure will affect approximately 19 salaried and 80 hourly Smurfit-Stone employees. Jamestown and Smurfit-Stone worked directly with the workers' union, USW Local 4 -1736, to minimize the impact of the closure and provide continuing opportunities for their employees through the joint venture. Smurfit-Stone's investment in the converting capabilities of the North Tonawanda plant will allow uninterrupted and improved service to its packaging customers in Upstate New York. "We are in a globally competitive market that impacts us all locally," Smurfit-Stone area sales manager Mark Favre said. "The investments Smurfit-Stone is making at the Buffalo and North Tonawanda properties are indicative of the strong commitment the company has to the Upstate New York market. We will continue to provide the quality and service our customers expect, while offering long-term opportunities for our employees." Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation's innovative packaging solutions help its customers to grow their businesses and profits. As North America's premier packaging company, Smurfit-Stone is the industry's leading integrated manufacturer of paperboard and paper-based packaging. Smurfit-Stone also is one of the world's largest paper recyclers. The company has led the industry in safety performance every year since 2001 and conducts its business in compliance with the environmental, health and safety principles of the American Forest & Paper Association. Smurfit-Stone operates approximately 170 facilities and employs approximately 22 000 people. Jamestown Container has been in business in Western New York (WNY) for approximately 50 years and manufactures everything from custom box packaging, custom plastic packaging and litho laminated containers to wholesale shipping supplies, contract packaging services and product package design. Jamestown has plants in Cleveland OH, Buffalo, Rochester, and Falconer and Lockport New York. Created in 1997, Norampac is the largest containerboard producer in Canada and the seventh largest in North America. Norampac is a major Canadian manufacturer of corrugated products, and a division of Cascades Canada Inc.