Staff Report

There has been good economic news for the area recently with the announcement of two new industries coming to the area.

At least one company, however, is announcing a slowdown in production.

International Paper announced that it is slowing down a paper machine at the Riverdale Mill to better match its supply to customer demand. The reduction in customer orders is an expected seasonal slowdown.

The curtailment affects the mill’s No. 15 Paper Machine.

The No. 15 Paper Machine has been slowed down by about 20 percent, and it is expected to be held to that level for the rest of the year and possibly into January 2007. Riverdale’s other paper machine, No. 16,

is expected to run at its normal pace, except for a brief maintenance outage in early December.

“This decision enables us to better match our production to customer needs,” said Ray Thomas, mill manager.

Employees will be coming to work as normal during the slow down, according to a company official.

The Riverdale Mill is part of International Paper’s Printing & Communications Papers business.

The mill produces both virgin and recycle grades of white reprographic paper for copy machines and printers and employs approximately 800 people, making it among Dallas County’s largest employers.

Headquartered in the United States, International Paper has been a leader in the forest products industry for more than 100 years.

The company is currently transforming its operations to focus on its global uncoated papers and packaging businesses, which operate and serve customers in the U.S., Europe, South America and Asia.

These businesses are complemented by an extensive North American merchant distribution system. International Paper is committed to environmental, economic and social sustainability, and has a long-standing policy of using no wood from endangered forests. To learn more, visit www.internationalpaper.com.