Niagara Sheets LLC

BUFFALO, NEW YORK

September 7, 2007 -- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact
Amy E. Gelia
(800) 766-9001

BUFFALO, NEW YORK – Partners in a joint venture called Niagara Sheets LLC announced today the finalization of an agreement to create a new corrugated sheet feeder facility in Western New York.  Corrugated sheets are used to manufacture boxes, shipping containers, and a wide variety of other packaging products.

Jamestown Container Companies, headquartered in Falconer, NY, will be managing partner in the joint venture with Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation and Norampac Industries, Inc. Niagara Sheets LLC is a newly formed and separate company from any of the partners involved, and John H. Bolender, currently vice president at Jamestown Container Companies, will serve as president of the joint venture.  Terms of the agreement were not disclosed. Officials noted the joint venture would not be economically feasible without assistance from the New York Power Authority (NYPA) for low cost hydro electric power.

“Niagara Sheets LLC reflects our steadfast commitment to Western New York as the joint venture partners make a significant investment in this new company featuring the most modern corrugator technology,” explained John Bolender.  “Our new facility will enable us to enhance our products and services to customers, support our leadership position in our markets, and strengthen our presence for future growth in the area.”

As part of the agreement, Smurfit-Stone will discontinue operations at its corrugated container plant on Shawnee Road in North Tonawanda.  Work will soon begin on the installation of new, world-class, state-of-the-art sheet feeder equipment at the facility, which is now owned by Niagara Sheets LLC. The scheduled retooling of the facility will enable uninterrupted service to existing customers.  Officials at Niagara Sheets LLC expect installation of new equipment at the facility to be completed in early 2008; however, anticipated employment figures are not available at this time.

About Jamestown Container Companies
Jamestown Container Companies, headquartered in Falconer, NY, operates five manufacturing facilities including locations in Falconer, Rochester, Lockport and Buffalo, NY, as well as Cleveland, OH.  Combined, the facilities employ more than 450 people.  In addition, Jamestown Container is a partner in Solvay Paperboard, a recycling mill producing 100% recycled paper near Syracuse, NY.  It also holds an interest in a Litho Laminate facility in Dayton, NJ, and has an affiliation with an in-store marketing/design-to-delivery display company.
 

About Smurfit-Stone
Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation’s (NASDAQ: SSCC) innovative packaging solutions help its customers to grow their businesses and profits.  As North America’s premier packaging company, Smurfit-Stone is the industry’s leading integrated manufacturer of paperboard and paper-based packaging.  Smurfit-Stone also is one of the world’s largest paper recyclers.  The company has led the industry in safety performance every year since 2001 and conducts its business in compliance with the environmental, health and safety principles of the American Forest & Paper Association. Smurfit-Stone operates approximately 170 facilities and employs approximately 22,000 people.

For more information, please contact Amy E. Gelia, Executive Assistant, Sales & Marketing, Jamestown Container Companies at 800-766-9001.