Dura-Fibre and MeadWestvaco Join Forces

MENASHA, Wis.—Dura-Fibre LLC, today announced that it has entered into an exclusive agreement with MeadWestvaco Corporation to manufacture and market its Forte solid fiber board.

Under terms of the agreement, Dura-Fibre will produce Forte by laminating together MeadWestvaco's uncoated Kraftpak virgin kraft board and Crescendo coated solid bleached board. In addition to providing the lamination and sheeting for Forte, Dura-Fibre will offer high-quality customer service and management of the product's marketing and sales activities. MeadWestvaco will continue to provide the quality substrates that comprise Forte.

Dura-Fibre and MeadWestvaco, a major packaging solutions provider, will work together to ensure a seamless transition of Forte's production in ensuing months. Customers may place their orders for Forte directly with Dura-Fibre beginning in April. Forte is a premium product for high-impact packaging applications. It is used

for consumer electronic products, software and peripherals, toys and games, sporting goods, small appliances, liquor, and frozen and refrigerated food packaging. Due to its industry-best printing and finishing performance, it is a preferred alternative to mini-flute corrugated carton board.

"Since its market debut five years ago, Forte has gained superior brand recognition among customers and end-users alike for its excellent graphic quality, durability and cost-efficient convertibility," said Jeff Murphy, vice

president, business development for Dura-Fibre. "Forte is an important addition to our portfolio of innovative packaging brands. We look forward to helping customers recognize Forte's unique versatility in custom-make applications."

"As one of the industry's leading paperboard converting companies, Dura-Fibre has the expertise and the resources to support Forte and its distribution," said Tony Rozmes, product applications manager for MeadWestvaco's Kraft Division. "We are confident Dura-Fibre will take this premium product to a new level of market visibility and tap into an expanded range of packaging applications."

As a result of the agreement between the two companies, Forte customers will be able to benefit from services Dura-Fibre offers through its state-of-the-art design and innovation center. They may also utilize its capabilities in laminating, die-cutting, coating and scoring. Dura-Fibre plans to offer additional thickness options for Forte in order to broaden the product's potential uses.