Graphic Packaging Continues Manufacturing Integration

MARIETTA, Ga., Nov. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Graphic Packaging International, Inc., a subsidiary of Graphic Packaging Holding Company (NYSE: GPK) , today announced that it plans to close two manufacturing facilities and transition business to other U.S. operating locations. These closures are part of the Company's continued efforts to achieve synergies related to the March 2008 combination with Altivity Packaging, LLC ("Altivity").

Graphic Packaging's folding carton facilities in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and Santa Clara, California, are expected to discontinue production by mid-year 2010. The company's Santa Clara recycled paperboard mill and Orchard Park, California, facility will not be affected by the closures.

"As one of the world's largest packaging companies, we continue to push aggressively in 2009 to integrate assets from the 2008 combination between Altivity Packaging and Graphic Packaging and streamline operations," said David W. Scheible, president and chief executive officer of Graphic Packaging International, Inc. "These key closures will complete the plant rationalization element of our integration efforts."

"We intend to continue to compete as the lowest cost producer in our markets. Our initiatives to integrate and optimize our manufacturing base ensure that our customers are reliably supported from a solid network of efficient, low-cost manufacturing facilities. As a result of our focus on these goals, we are better positioned today to strengthen our earnings performance and continue to reduce debt even under the current challenging operating environment," Scheible said.

Forward-looking Statements

Any statements of the Company's expectations in this press release constitute "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements, which include statements regarding production shutdowns, facility closures and transition of business to other locations, are based on currently available information and are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's present expectations. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the Company's ability to implement its business strategies, including productivity initiatives and cost reduction plans, and the impact of regulatory and litigation matters. Undue reliance should not be placed on such forward-looking statements, as such statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and the Company undertakes no obligation to update such statements. Additional information regarding these and other risks is contained in the Company's periodic filings with the SEC.

About Graphic Packaging International, Inc.

Graphic Packaging International, Inc., a subsidiary of Graphic Packaging Holding Company (NYSE: GPK) , headquartered in Marietta, Georgia, is a leading provider of paperboard packaging solutions for a wide variety of products to food, beverage and other consumer products companies. The company is one of the largest producers of folding cartons and holds a leading market position in coated-recycled boxboard and specialty bag packaging. The company's customers include some of the most widely recognized companies in the world. Additional information about Graphic Packaging, its business and its products is available on the company's web site at www.graphicpkg.com.