International Paper to Repair Vicksburg Mill Recovery Boiler

Memphis, Tennessee, USA, 21 May 2008 -- /PRNewswire/ -- International Paper (NYSE: IP) today announced plans to repair the recovery boiler at its Vicksburg, Mississippi, containerboard mill and to restart the mill once repairs are complete. The repairs will take an estimated six months.

The boiler has not been operational since an explosion disabled it on 03 May 2008, during the start-up from the mill's routine annual maintenance outage. Marcus Broome, a contract worker, was killed in the explosion and several other workers were injured.

The mill is not currently operating and most employees are temporarily laid off. The mill is maintaining minimal staffing to handle essential work tasks while clean-up and repairs are underway.

"The decision to repair the boiler is a very positive long-term decision for the company, the employees, and the local community," said Glenn Landau, vice president and general manager of International Paper's Containerboard business. "While we do expect challenges in meeting our customers' demand as a result of Vicksburg's outage, we will work diligently to minimize disruption during the repair period."

"While we are working towards the speedy repair of the mill, our thoughts remain with the family of Mr. Broome and those injured in the accident on May 3," said Tom Macher, Vicksburg mill manager.

The cause of the 03 May explosion is still under investigation.

The Vicksburg mill employs approximately 307 people and annually produces approximately 550,000 tons of linerboard. The mill began operation in 1967. The operation is a Star site member of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Voluntary Protection Program and before the explosion had no serious injuries in more than a year.

International Paper (NYSE: IP) is a global paper and packaging company with manufacturing operations in North America, Europe, Latin America, Russia, Asia, and North Africa. Its businesses include uncoated papers and industrial and consumer packaging, complemented by xpedx, the company's North American distribution company. Headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee, the company employs more than 50,000 people in more than 20 countries and serves customers worldwide. Net sales in 2007 were approximately USD 22 billion. For more information about International Paper, its products, and stewardship efforts, visit internationalpaper.com.

Source: International Paper