Mohawk CEO, Congressman Richard Neal Discuss Future of the Fine Paper Industry

COHOES, N.Y.—June 22, 2015—The Chairman and CEO of Mohawk, Thomas D. O’Connor Jr., joined U.S. Congressman Richard Neal (MA) to discuss the future of the fine paper industry during the New England Paper Cluster’s annual conference in Springfield, Massachusetts, today.

The event was organized by The New England Paper Cluster, a regional, non-profit trade association founded by the Economic Development Council of Western Massachusetts. The organization—comprised of New England-based businesses including paper mills, packaging companies, and printing companies—works to promote the regional paper industry.

Mohawk is currently completing renovations on an envelope converting facility in South Hadley, Massachusetts. The company is investing approximately $2 million to retrofit the facility, and expects to hire up to 40 full-time employees to produce over 500 million envelopes annually.

"Insightful, forward-thinking companies such as Mohawk are supporting the local paper economy by locating plants in New England," said Ben Markens, principal of The Markens Group and president of The Paperboard Packaging Council. "This meeting assisted us in identifying ways we can encourage other paper-related firms to see value in moving to the region, as well as share expertise and best practices so that existing companies may thrive."

Thomas D. O’Connor Jr., also noted, "The Town of South Hadley has been extremely cooperative and supportive of our interest in opening a new envelope manufacturing and distribution facility. We selected our new facility in South Hadley because the layout of the building is ideal for our manufacturing needs, the site required minimal construction prior to becoming operational, and there is an abundant pool of highly skilled envelope workers in Western Massachusetts."

U.S. Congressman Richard Neal (MA), a member of the Congressional Paper Caucus, presented an update from Washington about recent legislative efforts to promote the paper industry on the federal level.

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, New York, with global sales and operations located throughout North America, Europe and Asia.

Source: Mohawk.