Mohawk Creates Two New Business Divisions

COHOES, NY—September 17, 2013—Mohawk, North America’s largest privately-owned manufacturer of fine papers, envelopes and specialty substrates for commercial and digital printing, announces an organizational restructuring, creating two new distinct business units: Mohawk Fine Paper and Mohawk Digital. This move will support the growth in Mohawk’s emerging digital business while securing the future of its core fine paper business.

The 82-year-old manufacturer’s core business of fine text and cover papers and envelopes will be managed within the Mohawk Fine Paper division, while the company’s growing portfolio of digital substrates—including a wide range of papers and non papers for printing across dry toner, liquid toner and inkjet devices, will be managed within the new Mohawk Digital division.

"Mohawk’s traditional fine paper business is mature, while our digital business has experienced, and is positioned for, rapid growth," said Thomas D. O’Connor Jr., chairman and CEO, Mohawk. "Given the differing maturity levels of these two segments, it was necessary to develop individual growth strategies to ensure future success."

Kevin Richard has been named president of Mohawk Fine Paper Div. Formerly executive vice president, operations and COO at Mohawk, Richard will oversee sales, marketing, and operations for North America and all global markets.

"Mohawk has proudly manufactured the finest text and cover papers since 1931, including iconic brands like Superfine and Strathmore, and we believe now more than ever, fine paper is being appreciated as consumers rediscover the beauty and impact of paper and print in a digital era," noted Richard. "Mohawk’s core business will continue to grow and thrive as we allocate more time and resources to innovation and operational excellence."

Richard joined Mohawk in 1995, was promoted to executive vice president, operations and COO in 2005, and was appointed to the Mohawk Board of Directors in 2007. Prior to joining Mohawk, Richard had 13 years of experience in the paper industry. Richard has a BS Electrical Engineering degree from Northeastern University, Boston, and has completed executive education programs at Columbia Business School, Duke’s Fuqua School and Harvard Business School.

Paul Biesiadecki has been named president, Mohawk Digital. Previously executive vice president, sales and marketing at Mohawk, Biesiadecki will have sales, marketing, operational and financial responsibility for Mohawk’s digital business and will oversee the expansion of the digital portfolio, develop relationships with key strategic partners and lead Mohawk’s Digital Specialist sales force.

"We have enhanced our historical leadership position in digital papers through acquisition and the development of strategic partnerships," explained Biesiadecki. "Our portfolio of digital papers, specialty digital substrates, and services is now the most comprehensive offering in the industry. This business unit model gives us the focus and resources to take full advantage of the growth opportunities in digital printing.”

Biesiadecki joined Mohawk in 2004, and was promoted to executive vice president, sales and marketing in 2010. Prior to joining Mohawk, Biesiadecki had over 20 years of experience in the paper industry. Biesiadecki has a Bachelor’s degree from Pennsylvania State University and a Master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin.

“Paul and Kevin are experienced leaders with the knowledge, skills and passion necessary to drive innovation and growth through improved focus and accountability,” Thomas D. O’Connor Jr., chairman and CEO, Mohawk, concluded.

About Mohawk
Mohawk is North America’s largest privately-owned manufacturer of fine papers and envelopes which are preferred for commercial and digital printing, photo specialties and high-end direct mail. Mohawk fine papers and envelopes include the signature brands Mohawk Superfine and Strathmore, as well as proprietary treatments Inxwell and i-Tone. With a culture of innovation, Mohawk’s business model now extends beyond paper manufacturing into new areas of growth, including digital substrates and web-based software platforms, which connect designers and printers to new markets.

As a leader in environmentally and socially responsible business practices, Mohawk was the first U.S. manufacturer of commercial printing papers to match 100 percent of its electricity with wind power renewable energy credits and the first U.S. premium paper mill to shift toward carbon neutral production. Mohawk’s portfolio of recycled papers is certified by Green Seal and the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).

Mohawk is a fourth-generation, family-owned and operated business based in Cohoes, NY, with global sales and operations located throughout North America, Europe and Asia.

Source: Mohawk.