Smurfit-Stone Names Bruce Allred Corporate Safety Director

CREVE COEUR, Mo. and CHICAGO, May 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation has named Bruce Allred corporate safety director. A 29-year industry veteran, Allred is responsible for leading Smurfit-Stone's safety initiatives.

Smurfit-Stone has led the industry in safety performance every year since 2001. Allred will work closely with division safety managers and operations personnel to implement the company's Smurfit-Stone Accident Free Environment process, the Safety Management System, and other creative safety processes.

Allred joined the former Jefferson Smurfit Corporation, a predecessor company to Smurfit-Stone, in 1980 as an account representative in the recycling business. Most recently, he served as director of quality, safety, and training for Smurfit-Stone's recycling division. He succeeds Frank Cordier, who retired after 25 years of service to the company.

Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation's innovative packaging solutions help its customers to grow their businesses and profits. As North America's premier packaging company, Smurfit-Stone (NASDAQ: SSCC) 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's corrugated container facilities have earned SFI Certified Sourcing Label status from the Sustainable Forestry Initiative(R), Inc. Smurfit-Stone operates approximately 180 facilities and employs approximately 25,200 people.