MeadWestvaco to Close Laminate Paper Plant

Richmond, VA, August 22, 2007--MeadWestvaco said that by the end of the year it will shutter its specialty papers plant that produces wear resistant overlay (WROL) for laminate flooring.

The closure is due to the overall decline in demand for traditional WROL products, continued structural shift to alternative wear-layer technologies, and the increased development of lower cost products from overseas markets, the company said.

Some production will be transferred to the Willow mill in South Lee, Massachusett and to the Cedar mill in Potsdam, New York. 

"The decision to close our Laurel facility is based on careful analysis of our operations, consultation with industry leading customers, and the evolving needs of the global marketplace," said Mike Huth, president of MeadWestvaco Specialty Papers.

"We are carefully identifying areas in which we can improve competitiveness, and are taking the necessary steps to create a focused operational structure that will best serve our diverse customer base and achieve our financial goals."