Caraustar

The folding carton industry has lost a legend. Alan Crane, founder of Crane Carton, was a visionary, mentor and cherished friend to many, including members and suppliers of the Independent Carton Group (ICG), who remember him fondly.

NORWICH, Conn.—Paul Seifert has sold his one third interest in the Atlantic Packaging Group to Robert J. Chandler and Steven P. Vizoukis, in order to pursue other business opportunities.

ATLANTA—Caraustar Industries, Inc. announced that it has emerged from Chapter 11 as a newly reorganized private company eliminating approximately $135 million in debt.

Caraustar Industries, Inc. announced that on March 19, 2009 it made the determination to permanently cease production of uncoated recycled boxboard (URB) at its Carolina Paperboard mill in Charlotte, NC. Production was ceased effective today.

Caraustar will provide a comprehensive program of separation pay, benefits coverage and job assistance to the employees affected by the Richmond closure to facilitate their transition to alternate employment. Greg Bartlett, vice president, sales Mill Group, stated Recession and declines in product demand necessitate that the company move aggressively to retain cost efficiencies and increase capacity utilization across its mill system.

ATLANTA—Caraustar Industries, Inc. has permanently ceased production of uncoated recycled boxboard (URB) at its Chattanooga Paperboard mill, effective July 18, 2008. Caraustar will continue to operate the recycling center at this location. Chattanooga Paperboard had an annual capacity of approximately 60 thousand tons. The company expects to retain its Chattanooga customers and service their needs from other Caraustar locations. In making the announcement, Thomas C. Dawson, Jr., vice president, Mill Group, said, “The decision to cease production of URB at the Chattanooga mill reflects management’s continued focus on maximizing capacity utilization and operating efficiencies in an increasingly challenging economic environment. We are pleased to

ATLANTA, Ga.—Caraustar Industries, Inc. announced a $25 per ton price increase on all coated recycled paperboard grades effective with shipments beginning March 1, 2007. Caraustar is one of the world’s largest integrated manufacturers of converted recycled paperboard and is dedicated to providing customers with innovative products and services. The recycled packaging company serves the four principal recycled boxboard product end-use markets: tubes, cores and composite cans; folding cartons; gypsum facing paper; and other specialty paperboard products. For additional information on Caraustar, please visit the company’s Web site at www.caraustar.com

ELKHART, Ind.–Ken Smott, president and CEO of Atlas Die LLC, Elkhart, Ind. announced that Caraustar Industries has signed a long term supply agreement for all steel rule die and related tooling. “Caraustar recognized the advantages associated with outsourcing and we are honored to be their partner,” Smott said. Paul Curtis, vice president of manufacturing-folding carton added, “The ability of Atlas to take over our internal operations, provide innovative tooling solutions, service, and training made Atlas the natural partner and best value for Caraustar Industries.” “Our history of support gave them the confidence to extend the length and scope of our prior agreement,” said Smott.

EERBEEK, The Netherlands—Folding carton producer Caraustar has invested in a Drent Goebel VSOP at its Grand Rapids, Michigan facility. The machine has seven printing towers, flexo and EB-curing on board. Paul Curtis, division manufacturer manager said, “The concept of variable size sleeves in offset is where the market is heading. We have to compete in a tough market place. Therefore Caraustar made the strategic decision to be in the top segment of the market. This means we operate in challenging markets like the dry and frozen food packaging industry.” The innovative web offset press, designed and manufactured by Drent Goebel in Europe, has a width

EERBEEK, The Netherlands—Folding carton producer Caraustar has invested in a Drent Goebel VSOP at its Grand Rapids, Michigan facility. The machine has seven printing towers, flexo and EB-curing on board. Paul Curtis, division manufacturer manager said, “The concept of variable size sleeves in offset is where the market is heading. We have to compete in a tough market place. Therefore Caraustar made the strategic decision to be in the top segment of the market. This means we operate in challenging markets like the dry and frozen food packaging industry.” To cope with these demanding markets the Caraustar team invested in a seven tower VSOP from