Catalyst Paper (TSX:CYT) has reported second quarter financial results, which were negatively impacted by a number of significant, one-time events. Despite these events, operational initiatives are tracking well, positioning the company to deliver significantly improved results.

Adjusted earnings before tax, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) was negative $19.2 million, and adjusted EBITDA before specific items was positive $9.7 million, compared to adjusted EBITDA of $14.0 million and adjusted EBITDA before restructuring costs and specific items of $14.6 million in the first quarter of 2015.

The company recorded a net loss of $32.4 million and a net loss before specific items of $13.8 million in Q2, compared to net earnings of $22.2 million, and a net loss before specific items of $12.6 million in the previous quarter.

Significant one-time items that negatively impacted operating results in the quarter included a recovery boiler upgrade at the Rumford mill, the cost and production impact of an oxygen plant outage at the Crofton mill, market curtailments at the Port Alberni, Powell River and Rumford mills, restructuring costs related to training and staffing changes resulting from the Powell River revitalization initiative, and legal fees associated with addressing the countervailing duty petition filed against Catalyst.

"Without the impact of these major one-time items, our results reflect a continued focus on performance improvement, led by our Canadian operations which have benefited from earlier implementation of operational excellence strategies," said Joe Nemeth, President & Chief Executive Officer. "We anticipate that with the majority of our U.S. investments and integration costs behind us, our U.S. operations will follow the Canadian template for performance improvement. These investments, combined with our product mix improvements, and seasonally stronger sales in the third and fourth quarters, positions the company to deliver significantly improved financial results in the second half of 2015."

Quarter Highlights

Catalyst completed a $16.0 million investment upgrading the Rumford mill's Recovery Boiler C on time and on budget, replacing the 35-year-old generating bank. As the Rumford mill is exposed to significant seasonal energy cost fluctuations, the upgrade is a major building block to improve energy efficiency, reduce costs and increase seasonal electricity sales.

In Canada, the Powell River Revitalization Program is tracking ahead of plan on its goal to deliver a step change in its cost competitiveness. The learnings of the Revitalization Program will be rolled out to the U.S. divisions in the second half of 2015, with the same objective of realizing step change performance improvement. The Crofton pulp mill, excluding the impact of the oxygen plant related outage, ran well and continues to achieve new productivity targets.

Challenging market conditions resulted in curtailments being taken concurrent with maintenance shutdowns at the Powell River and Port Alberni mills in Canada, and the Rumford mill in the U.S. The curtailments resulted in production losses of approximately 7,200 tonnes of uncoated paper at Powell River, approximately 13,600 tonnes of directory and coated groundwood paper at Port Alberni, and approximately 24,700 tonnes of coated groundwood, coated freesheet and coated one-sided specialty paper at Rumford.

Production was also impacted by an outage at the Crofton mill, which was caused by mechanical failure in the oxygen plant, resulting in lost production of approximately 8,800 tonnes of newsprint and 8,700 tonnes of pulp

Market Conditions

Market conditions remained challenging in the second quarter. Pricing and demand for newsprint and directory continued to decline due to oversupply from all regions. Printing and writing paper markets were also challenging as the traditional seasonal slowdown affected demand. In addition, the strong U.S. dollar has resulted in increased imports from Europe and Asia. On a positive note, pulp pricing and demand remained relatively stable through the quarter as maintenance downtimes helped to keep global supply and demand in check.

Imposition of Countervailing Duties

The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) issued its Preliminary Determination today to impose countervailing duties on Canadian imports of supercalendered paper (SC paper) from Catalyst Paper and three other Canadian SC paper producers, including Port Hawkesbury Paper, Resolute Forest Products and Irving Paper. The DOC refused to examine each paper company individually in its investigation. Catalyst was assigned an "all-others" countervailing duty rate of 11.19%, an average rate of the two companies for whom individual investigations were conducted – Port Hawkesbury Paper and Resolute Forest Products.

Catalyst is reviewing DOC's Preliminary Determination and its potential financial implications on its operations. Having said that, Catalyst rejects the DOC's premise that the company has received subsidies from the Canadian federal and provincial governments, and will be seeking an expedited review by the DOC after the agency issues its Final Countervailing Duty Order in December 2015.

Outlook

For the second half of 2015, we expect that seasonally strong sales demand, reduced maintenance and integration costs, and the substantial investments made in the preceding two quarters in value-adding projects, positions us to achieve significantly improved results.

Further Quarterly Results Materials

This release, along with the full Management Discussion & Analysis, Financial Statements and accompanying notes are available on our web site at www.catalystpaper.com/Investors. This material is also filed with SEDAR in Canada and EDGAR in the United States.

About Catalyst Paper

Catalyst Paper manufactures diverse printing papers such as coated freesheet, coated and uncoated groundwood, newsprint, directory, as well as market pulp. Customers include retailers, publishers and commercial printers in North America, Latin America, the Pacific Rim and Europe. With five mills across North America, Catalyst has annual production capacity of 2.3 million tonnes. Catalyst is headquartered in Richmond, British Columbia, Canada and is ranked by Corporate Knights magazine as one of the 50 Best Corporate Citizens in Canada.

SOURCE Catalyst Paper Corporation

For further information:

Frank De Costanzo, Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, (604) 247-4014

This information is being distributed to you by / Cette information vous est transmise par : Catalyst Paper Corporation

2nd Floor, 3600 Lysander Lane, Richmond, BC, V7B 1C3, Canada
www.catalystpaper.com

The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) has issued its preliminary decision to impose countervailing duties on Canadian imports of supercalendered paper.

The Coalition for Fair Paper Imports - U.S.-based Madison Paper and Verso Corporation - petitioned the DOC in February 2015 and asked it to impose countervailing duties on imports of supercalendered paper from Canadian paper producers Port Hawkesbury Paper, as well as Resolute Forest Products, Irving Paper and Catalyst Paper. The Coalition alleges that Canadian supercalendered paper producers are subsidized by the Canadian federal and provincial governments. Supercalendered paper is glossy paper used in retail catalogues, flyers and magazines.

"Catalyst rejects the allegation that we've received government subsidies, and we're confident a full and fair investigation would confirm this," said Joe Nemeth, President & CEO. "We will continue to work with the Canadian federal and provincial governments, and we will seek an expedited review of our case by the DOC."

In its investigation, the DOC refused to examine each paper company individually. The U.S. agency examined Port Hawkesbury Paper and Resolute Forest Products, and assigned each company a rate of 20.33% and 2.04% respectively, but did not investigate Catalyst Paper or Irving Paper. Instead, the DOC assigned Catalyst and Irving an "all-others rate" of 11.19%, which is equal to the average of the rates that the DOC assigned to the other two companies.

The decision issued today is only a Preliminary Determination by the DOC of the duty. The Final Determination of the duty will be rendered on October 13, 2015, and its Final Order in early December 2015.

About Catalyst Paper

Catalyst Paper manufactures diverse printing papers such as coated freesheet, coated and uncoated groundwood, newsprint, directory, as well as market pulp. Customers include retailers, publishers and commercial printers in North America, Latin America, the Pacific Rim and Europe. With five mills across North America, Catalyst has annual production capacity of 2.3 million tonnes. Catalyst is headquartered in Richmond, British Columbia, Canada and is ranked by Corporate Knights magazine as one of the 50 Best Corporate Citizens in Canada.

SOURCE Catalyst Paper Corporation

For further information:

Investor Contact: Frank De Costanzo, Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, 604-247-4014, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; Media Contact: Eduarda Hodgins, Director, Organization Development & Communications, 604-247-4369, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Xerium Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:XRM), a leading global provider of industrial consumable products and services, has announced that Harold Bevis, President and CEO; Cliff Pietrafitta, Chief Financial Officer and David Pretty, President, Xerium North America and Europe will present at the Jefferies Industrials Conference on Thursday August 13, 2015 at 8:00 AM EDT at The Grand Hyatt Hotel in New York City and be available for investor meetings on August 12^th and 13^th.

The presentation materials will also be posted on the Company Website and be archived there for a period of one year.

ABOUT XERIUM

Xerium Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:XRM) is a leading global provider of industrial consumable products and services. Xerium, which operates around the world under a variety of brand names, utilizes a broad portfolio of patented and proprietary technologies to provide customers with tailored solutions and products integral to production, all designed to optimize performance and reduce operational costs. With 27 manufacturing facilities in 13 countries around the world, Xerium has approximately 3,100 employees.

Rebuild project for A.Celli Paper at SCA facilities in Allo (Spain), where the leading global hygiene and forest products company required an updated service on moving rewinder assets and major upgrade on the drive side and slitting unit. Thus, A.Celli Paper dismantled on-site the previous machinery and installed refurbished equipment with new drive and automation and safety systems, and the new, latest-generation cutting system.

Started up in late 2014, the system fulfilled all the tests and the customer was fully pleased not only with the new technology supplied by A.Celli, but also with the technical and operational support that the teams have always shown during the entire rebuild process. “A.Celli Paper confirms itself a high level partner”, says SCA. “They immediately identified our needs and supplied what we required. Together, we scheduled the tests and started up the refurbished rewinder. This new cutting system is truly innovative and ensures extremely high quality of the paper – something SCA particularly caters to.”

With this new rewinder, the SCA Spain facility has gained in performance, instantly showing an improvement in paper quality and, consequently, a better finished product.

SCA by country

SCA is a leading global hygiene and forest products company that develops personal care products, tissue, publication papers and solid-wood products. Sales are conducted in some 100 countries. SCA has many well-known brands, including the global brands TENA and Tork. The largest markets, in terms of sales, are Germany, France, UK & ROI, USA, Sweden, Spain, Mexico, The Netherlands, Italy and Russia.

SCA in Spain

SCA has a portfolio of incontinence products, baby diapers, feminine care products, consumer tissue and Away-from-Home tissue.

Hygiene Products. SCA is represented in the incontinence care segment with TENA, leader in the incontinence sector which has had a presence on the Spanish market for more than 25 years in stores and in the pharmaceutical sector across the Iberian Peninsula. SCA is also represented in the tissue sector with COLHOGAR and in the facial cleansing category with DEMAK’UP. In the away-from-home tissue segment SCA Spain has Tork. SCA Spain also produces for the retail brands of its clients from the large scale distribution sector.

Stora Enso has signed an agreement to divest its Barcelona mill, which produces recycled-fibre based consumer board, to the private equity fund Quantum. The transaction is in line with Stora Enso’s strategy to focus its consumer board offering on high quality virgin-fibre products.

The initial cash consideration for the divestment of the shares is approximately EUR 10 million, subject to customary closing day adjustments. The transaction has no material income statement impact and is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2015, subject to regulatory approvals.

“Stora Enso is focusing its consumer board offering on high quality virgin-fibre products. The Barcelona mill is the only recycled-fibre based mill in our Consumer Board division. Despite positive results development in recent months, the Barcelona mill requires further development effort and investment if it is to remain on a profitable path. I believe that the mill can operate more efficiently under the new ownership,” says Jari Latvanen, Head of Consumer Board division.

Based on the annual figures for 2014, the divestment is expected to reduce Stora Enso’s annual sales by EUR 117 million and simultaneously decrease Stora Enso’s annual board production capacity by approximately 195 000 tonnes. The transaction does not have material impact on Stora Enso’s operational EBIT and cash flow going forward and it will improve operational EBIT and EBITDA margins slightly. The Barcelona mill employs approximately 220 people.

About Quantum
Quantum Capital Partners is a German Private Equity fund headquartered in Munich. Quantum focuses on corporate spin-offs and carve-outs in which the acquisition target has a turnover between EUR 20 and 500 million and can benefit from Quantum’s operational experience. Quantum has completed a series of successful transactions with leading global corporations such as BOSCH, BASF and AIRBUS Group. Quantum’s current portfolio consists of seven companies, with a combined turnover of some EUR 350 million. Quantum commands a newly established fund of more than EUR 57 million and is an active investor in the industry, having completed five transactions in 2014 and two in 2015. www.quantum-capital-partners.com/

For further information, please contact:
Ulrika Lilja, EVP Global Communications, tel. +46 72 221 9228
Ulla Paajanen-Sainio, SVP Investor Relations, tel. +358 40 763 8767

Stora Enso is a leading provider of renewable solutions in packaging, biomaterials, wood and paper on global markets. Our aim is to replace non-renewable materials by innovating and developing new products and services based on wood and other renewable materials. We employ some 27 000 people in more than 35 countries, and our sales in 2014 were EUR 10.2 billion. Stora Enso shares are listed on NASDAQ OMX Helsinki (STEAV, STERV) and Stockholm (STE A, STE R). In addition, the shares are traded in the USA as ADRs (SEOAY) on the International OTCQX over-the-counter market. www.storaenso.com

UPM receives a top score in the recently released WWF UK Timber Scorecard. The scorecard assesses more than 100 retailers, manufacturers and traders in the UK for their commitment and performance in responsible forest trade during the years 2013 – 2014. UPM was one of a small number of companies which received the highest score of 3.

The scorecard looks at companies’ practices and policies in relation to sustainably sourced timber and timber products, against a backdrop of increasing deforestation. The top-performing companies are characterized by the clarity and simplicity with which they report their timber and timber product purchasing and performance. They have made public commitments, and there is visible evidence that they have set up the right policies to ensure sustainable timber is being used as much as possible in their products.
 
“Tracing the origin of wood is a prerequisite for UPM,” says John Sanderson, Head of Environment, UK and Ireland. “We verify that the wood raw material supplied to our mills - whether in China, Uruguay, the US or Europe -  is sustainably sourced, legally logged and procured according to the basic requirements of international forest certification schemes and timber regulations. UPM’s tracing systems and chain of custody model cover the requirements for both PEFC™ and FSC® forest certification schemes, and 83% of UPM’s paper is produced using fibre that meets the criteria of one or both of these schemes. In addition, UPM has an FSC and PEFC Group Certificate in Finland and a UKWAS Group Certificate in the UK which private forest owners can sign up to,” he continues.

“In 2014, UPM sourced more than 26 million cubic meters of wood from around the world, of which almost 290 000 cubic meters comes from forests in the UK. In addition to the high percentage of sustainably managed virgin fibre used in our production, we are also the world’s largest user of recovered paper in the graphic papers’ production. And this combination makes us a truly responsible player in this field,” Sanderson concludes.

UPM
Through the renewing of the bio and forest industries, UPM is building a sustainable future across six business areas: UPM Biorefining, UPM Energy, UPM Raflatac, UPM Paper Asia, UPM Paper Europe and North America and UPM Plywood. Our products are made of renewable raw materials and are recyclable. We serve our customers worldwide. The group employs around 20,000 people and its annual sales are approximately EUR 10 billion. UPM shares are listed on NASDAQ OMX Helsinki. UPM – The Biofore Company – www.upm.com

For more information
John Sanderson, Head of Environment, UK and Ireland, UPM, tel. +44 7714066919
Link to WWF UK Timber Scorecard

- LARGEST RANGE OF A PREMIUM BOARD AND PACKAGING AVAILABLE IN THE MARKET -

Arjowiggins Graphic today announces the launch of a brand new premium board and packaging range called Teknocard.  The new range is the widest available in the market for packaging and graphical applications and has the added benefit of Arjowiggins Graphic market leading sustainability credentials.

The entire Teknocard range is FSC® certified and guarantees outstanding bulk, stiffness and dimensional stability. Products are available in uncoated, one side coated, two-side coated, wood-free, 50% recycled and 100% recycled.  The entire range boasts perfect surface smoothness to ensure exceptional colour reproduction and converting performance.

To spearhead the launch and support Arjowiggins  entry into this new market, the company has appointed Malcolm Sinclair as Business Development Manager.  Previously sales director at Tullis Russell, and one of the architects behind the Trucard brand, Malcolm brings with him 30 years of experience in the premium board and packaging industry.

Commenting on the launch Malcolm Sinclair says, “I am incredibly excited to be part of creating the Teknocard brand and product offer.  We have a fantastic opportunity to give the market what they want in board choice, coated and uncoated, FSC as standard and premium recycled as an option, offset and digital. And all from a producer who can offer the scale and service to allow our customers to be competitive in the marketplace of today and tomorrow.”

Teknocard is available to order now in a wide range of grammages and qualities.  For further information and samples customers should contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Malcolm Sinclair at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

www.recycled-papers.co.uk

Range detail:

Arjowiggins Graphic is a leader in the development of innovative environmental paper solutions, offering consistently high quality coated and uncoated recycled papers. The branch is part of Arjowiggins, the world's leading manufacturer of creative high-tech materials and papers. With over 4,000 employees and 20 paper mills around the world, Arjowiggins generates sales of around €1 billion.   Arjowiggins is the manufacturing arm of Sequana

As an employer, you have a duty of care to ensure your employees stay safe and secure in their place of work. Most people think bad things won’t happen to them at work, but the truth is sometimes bad things do happen, so it pays to be prepared. Thankfully, major events like the Charlie Hebdo attack in Paris are rare, but even small incidents such as the theft of an employee’s bicycle or the vandalism of a car are damaging to staff morale.

There are plenty of simple ways to make the workplace more secure, many of which are quick and easy to implement. Street furniture such as bollards and column protectors will help to prevent accidents and facilities such as secure bin stores and smoking shelters can keep litter to a minimum. Some of the other things worth investing in are listed below.

Automatic Barriers at Gates

Any large company needs to have security measures in place to monitor traffic entering and leaving the site. Barriers such as Procter Brothers automatic gates are one way of ensuring vehicles are forced to slow down and stop before they enter the site. When used in conjunction with an entry swipe card system or on-site security personnel, they are very effective at regulating site traffic.

Security Fencing

It is common sense to protect your perimeter with security fencing. Simple chain-link fencing will deter casual intruders, but if you want to take it a step further, install high-security fencing designed to keep out even the most determined intruders.

Smoking Shelters

Workplaces are all non-smoking these days, but you do still need to provide facilities for smokers. A smoking shelter is perfect for inclement weather. Smokers will be able to enjoy their habit without getting soaked to the skin. Do remember to include a bin and ashtray for cigarette butts and ask employees to make sure they use it.

Keypad Door Security

Installing keypads at external entrance doors will stop intruders from entering the building. Keypad security devices can also be installed on internal doors if necessary and a simple entry-code will enable authorised personnel to enter predetermined areas of the site. If you want to take security to a higher level, there are more complex door security systems in place, including retina and fingerprint scanners.

CCTV

Close-circuit television is useful for providing 24/7 site security. With CCTV cameras in place in different areas of the site, you can monitor what’s going on from a remote location, which negates the need for security patrols. CCTV footage can also provide useful evidence in the event something does happen.

Covered Cycle Racks

A covered cycle rack will be most welcome to employees who choose to cycle to work. Cyclists can secure their bicycle to a metal hoop frame and it will remain nice and dry during the day. One bike shelter may be enough, but if you want to encourage employees to cycle to work, install more shelters.

Can you think of any other ways to make your workplace more secure?  Please let us know in the comments.

Wausau Paper (NYSE:WPP) has announced that it has appointed Rob Yanker to the Company’s Board of Directors, effective immediately. Mr. Yanker will serve as one of the Company’s nominees for election at its 2016 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

Mr. Yanker, 57, is a Director Emeritus at McKinsey & Company. Mr. Yanker served at McKinsey for 27 years, from 1986 to 2013, where he worked with a variety of clients in the industrial, consumer and telecommunications sectors.

Michael C. Burandt, CEO, commented, “Rob has an exceptional mix of operational, strategic and industrial expertise that will be a valued asset to Wausau and we are excited to have him join our Board. Rob’s experience at McKinsey gives him an important perspective that will be beneficial as we continue to drive improvement in our operating performance and deliver significant value for shareholders.”

About Wausau Paper: Wausau Paper produces and markets a complete line of away-from-home towel and tissue products, as well as soap and dispensing systems. The Company is listed on the NYSE under the symbol WPP. To learn more about Wausau Paper visit wausaupaper.com.

Two new appointments have been made to Metso's Executive Team. Perttu Louhiluoto has been appointed President, Services, and John Quinlivan has been appointed President, Flow Control. Both appointments will take effect immediately.

Perttu Louhiluoto (b. 1964) has been President of Metso's Flow Control business area and its preceding Automation segment since 2012. He has been with Metso since 2008. In his new position, Louhiluoto will be responsible for the Services business area, which offers Metso's customers in the mining and aggregates sectors comprehensive services ranging from spare and wear parts to process optimization solutions. Louhiluoto will work at Metso's Head Office in Helsinki, Finland.

"Perttu Louhiluoto has done a good job and has achieved good results in recent years in Automation and Flow Control, which has steadily grown and improved its profitability. In his new role he will ensure that the Services business continues make the big difference to its customers by offering the best solutions in the market. Moreover, for Metso it is of utmost importance that Services grows and further improves its profitability in the years ahead," says Metso's President and CEO Matti Kähkönen.

John Quinlivan (b. 1961) has held several management positions within Metso's Automation and Flow Control, since 1989.  Quinlivan works in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, in the United States.

"Flow Control is an important growth business for Metso, and its role in the success of the entire company has significantly grown in recent years. John Quinlivan is a result-oriented professional with long experience with our valve business and its markets, and I believe this will support his success in his new role. We warmly welcome John to Metso's Executive Team," Kähkönen notes.

With these appointments, Metso's Executive Team consists of Matti Kähkönen, President and CEO (Chairman of the Executive Team); Harri Nikunen, CFO and Deputy to the CEO; João Ney Colagrossi, President, Minerals; Perttu Louhiluoto, President, Services; John Quinlivan, President, Flow Control; Merja Kamppari, Senior Vice President, Human Resources; and Simo Sääskilahti, Senior Vice President, Strategy and Business Development.

Juha Silvennoinen, the current President of Services, will leave Metso. "I want to thank Juha Silvennoinen for his contribution in Metso's development. We wish him the best of success in the future," Kähkönen notes.
Metso is the world's leading industrial company in the mining and aggregates industries and in the flow control business. Our knowledge, people and solutions help drive sustainable improvements in performance and profitability in our customers' businesses.

CV Perttu Louhiluoto

CV John Quinlivan

Metso has an uncompromising attitude towards safety. Our products range from mining and construction equipment and systems to industrial valves and controls. Our solutions are delivered and supported by decades of process knowledge and a broad scope of services backed by a global footprint of over 90 service centers, thousands of service employees, and an extensive logistics network.

Metso is listed on the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki, Finland. In 2014, Metso's net sales totaled EUR 3.7 billion. Metso employs approximately 14,000 industry experts in more than 50 countries. Expect results.

www.metso.com , www.twitter.com/metsogroup

For further information, please contact:

Matti Kähkönen, President and CEO, Metso Corporation, tel. +358 20 484 3000