COLUMNS

Editor's Note
The Downside of Downsizing. Paper companies had reasoned that all the recent cost-cuts would push them out of the doldrums or at least boost earnings enough to please shareholders. That hasn't happened. Is another round of cuts in order? I hope not.

Ken Patrick
Et Tu, Natchez? Word has come from International Paper that it finally will shutdown its only chemical cellulose mill in Natchez, Miss., in June or July. Struggling with a new but shaky lease on life for the past year, the announcement had to be a stinging blow to the city of Natchez and Adams County, though it's hard to believe the community wasn't half expecting the bomb that exploded on its doorstep January 24.

David Price
Is the Market Turning? Europe's economy is going into the tank, weighted down by Germany's decline, by war risk in Iraq and by conflict between NATO, the UN and USA. Europe badly needs further growth in the U.S. to start recovering. Are pulp and paper markets showing any signs of growth—anywhere?

FEATURES

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Weyerhaeuser's Steve Rogel, Executive Papermaker of the Year
In an exclusive interview with PaperAge, Weyerhaeuser Chairman Steve Rogel talks about his beginnings in the paper industry, the integration process of Weyerhaeuser and Willamette, the Canadian softwood lumber issue, and shaping Weyerhaeuser's future.

Boise Mill Boosts Quality, Cuts Costs With Statistical Optimization Method
Paper machine project at Jackson, Ala., mill improves CD stiffness and formation while lowering fiber requirements—without capital investment.

Narrow-Slot Basket Technologies Open Door to Better Fractionation, Screening
Significant technological developments in fractionation and fine screening processes during the past 10 years have dramatically increased overall pulp cleaning efficiency.