Wausau Paper to Invest USD 15 Million to Increase Efficiency of Brokaw, Wisconsin, Mill

Mosinee, Wisconsin, USA, 12 June 2008 --(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Wausau Paper (NYSE:WPP) today announced that its board of directors approved a USD 15 million capital investment that will optimize fiber handling and stock blending systems at its Brokaw, Wisconsin, mill. An automated pulp bale handling system is expected to be operational by the end of 2008, with the balance of the system scheduled for startup in the second quarter of 2009.

"We are pleased to announce the next step of our Printing & Writing segment's three-part profit recovery plan initially outlined in the fourth quarter of last year. The first phase of our recovery plan, system capacity reduction, is complete, while the second phase of our plan, initiatives to drive growth in higher margin markets, is well underway," said Thomas J. Howatt, Wausau Paper president and chief executive officer. "Today's announcement represents the first of several potential investments intended to significantly improve the cost structure of the business. Project economics significantly exceed our target 17% internal rate of return and will substantially improve the capabilities and cost competitiveness of our Brokaw mill," he said.

"This capital investment, which is part of the third phase of our profit recovery plan, will significantly improve stock preparation and blending at our Brokaw facility," said Daniel R. Trettin, Wausau Paper's senior vice president - Printing & Writing. "The technology we plan to use with this project is proven and will significantly improve the operational stability of our paper machines and reduce labor costs. The operating performance improvement to be achieved from this investment is critical to returning this facility and our Printing & Writing business to acceptable levels of profitability."

For more than 100 years, Wausau Paper has been a leading manufacturer of high quality, affordable, uncoated papers for consumers, printers, graphic designers, and converters. From its mill facilities in Brokaw, Wisconsin, and Brainerd, Minnesota, Wausau Paper produces more than 2000 different stock items from more than 400 different types of papers. Approximately two-thirds of Wausau Paper's Printing & Writing commercial stocking items contain 30% recycled post-consumer fiber and carry the independent Green Seal(TM) certification. Product is stocked in four regional distribution centers enabling delivery within 24 hours to most locations within the United States.

Wausau Paper, with record revenues of USD 1.24 billion in fiscal 2007, produces and markets fine printing and writing papers, technical specialty papers, and "away-from-home" towel and tissue products. To learn more about Wausau Paper, visit www.wausaupaper.com.