NewPage Sends Message to Competitors

Currently, about a third of coated paper equipment is down, or has been turned off at some point, during the first half of 2009. Most of this down time has been at the NewPage facilities. The company has closed five machines and sold nearly 45% less tons in the first quarter. NewPage has given up market share as a result, and is growing frustrated that competitors keep their machines running. NewPage feels USA market has over a million tons of excess capacity. They think mills such as Verso and Kruger should now do their pro rata part (which is more than past curtailment from respective mill).