The PRC has ordered the USPS to submit additional information regarding its filed exigent rate case (requesting an increase above CPI). Post Master General Patrick Donahoe, who had previously said he would not implement exigent postage increases, issued a statement that the USPS will not submit further information, effectively rendering the case in abeyance. Nothing will be done unless the USPS restarts the case.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Shoppers Spend $32 Billion Online
http://chainstoreage.com/article/comscore-reports-busiest-week-ever-online-sales
This holiday season has seen a 15% increase in online spending, as reported by comScore, in the first 48 days of the holiday season. In the week ending December 18, shoppers spent $6.4 billion, an increase of 14%; it was the busiest week ever recorded for online purchases.
Gorham Paper & Tissue Story of Persistence
The closed Gorham, NH paper was sold by Fraser Papers to an investment firm, Patriarch Partners, which, observing the high cost of production fueled by heating (No. 6) oil, installed a natural gas line. The Gorham Paper & Tissue mill was restarted 6 months ago, with the paper machines now powered by steam from the line. The company has now announced a commitment to purchase a tissue machine for $35 million that will be added to the facility.
International Paper and Steelworkers Sign Agreement
Following a year of negotiations, IP and the USW reached a 4-year master economic and security agreement, which was ratified by the union membership on Monday. The contract covers approximately 5,700 workers at 43 of International Paper’s corrugated boxes and container plants.
TIME’s Style & Design Returning
TIME to Relaunch Style & Design Supplement in March 2012: After shuttering the supplement 18 months ago, TIME is relaunching Style & Design in 2012. The revamped version, to be led by TIME managing editor Rick Stengel and edited/curated by TIME staff, will debut with the March 26th issue of TIME.
President of Great Northern Paper Resigns
Great Northern Paper announced that Peter Hanson has stepped down as the company’s president. Vice president of operations and manufacturing Everett O’Neill will replace Mr. Hanson. Last week Mr. Hanson made an ill-received remark that a proposed 70,000-acre national park in the area did not threaten the industry. A company spokesperson said there was no connection between Mr. Hanson’s leave-taking and his statement, but that there were "philosophical differences.”
Resolute Forest Products Reports Down Time
Resolute has announced it is shutting down PM 1 at its Catawba, South Carolina mill for two weeks because of market conditions. The paper machine, which has capacity to produce ~155,000 short tons per year of coated mechanical (LWC) paper, is the oldest unit at the facility.
November Coated & SC Paper Shipments Down
http://www.paperage.com/2011news/12_20_2011printing_writing_afpa.html
As reported by the Pulp and Paper Products Council, North American coated mechanical paper shipments for November fell -6.3% as compared to the same month of last year. Demand was down -8.3% and imports declined -17.7%.
Court Filing in eBook Price Fixing Case
Publishing Insider Tipped Law Firms About eBook Price Fixing Conspiracy: The decision by major publishers to strike a pricing deal with Apple has been the source of speculation and several antitrust investigations. Now, a new court filing suggests someone inside the industry was leaking the publishers’ pricing.
Midland’s Quad/Graphics to Add 25 Jobs
Midland’s Quad/Graphics to Add 25 Jobs: Quad/Graphics Inc. plans to invest nearly $1.77 million in its Midland (MI) facility and hire 25 new employees within two years. The new investment will be in incremental presses, finishing equipment, automation and building renovations.
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