Gorham Paper and Tissue launches four category-specific specialty paper brands at Paper2013

GORHAM, NH, March 17, 2013 (Business Wire) - As Gorham Paper and Tissue targets higher value applications, the company announced at Paper2013 the launch of four category-specific paper brands: Optix^TM for packaging, Helix^TM for engineered, Vertix^TM for converting and Iconix^TM for printing. The portfolio features close to 30 customized specialty papers available with options in weight, color, furnish and functional properties.

"The new brands reinforce our strategy to direct our product development expertise and manufacturing flexibility to more challenging technical markets. They communicate our depth of capability, segment our offering and simplify our extensive lineup," said Brian McAlary, VP of Sales and Marketing. "As we preview our go-to-market approach at Paper2013, our customers are supportive of our focus on higher value technical applications and our commitment to building a strong Gorham brand."

The Gorham Specialty Papers include:

• Optix: an FDA compliant line of food packaging embedded with grease resistance and wet strength ideal for wraps, bags, liners and pouches
• Helix: application-driven papers engineered with technical properties such as absorbency, machinability, fire retardance, light fastness and extreme strength
• Vertix: versatile line of converting papers used for home and office applications such as file folders, envelopes and desktop publishing papers
• Iconix: high-volume printing papers optimized for image reproduction and performance and used for demanding applications like tradebooks, corporate literature, financial statements, direct mail and annual reports

"Gorham produces a tremendous range of papers from deep rich colors to bright white, from heavyweight tags to ultra-lightweight bond, demanding food packaging papers to something as straightforward as a drink coaster," added Pam Miller, Director of Marketing. "Gorham is a different type of paper mill. We have the ‘x-factor' which is that unique combination of innovation, collaboration and speed. Our new brands, Optix, Helix, Vertix and Iconix, not only reflect our commitment to craftsmanship they help communicate our story."

Gorham Specialty Papers are available in a basis weight range of 18 lb. - 143 lb. and with furnish options (white, natural and a variety of colors), recycled content up to 100% and chain of custody certification to SFI®, FSC® and PEFC® standards.

About Gorham Paper and Tissue

Gorham targets niche technical markets with a broad portfolio of custom-engineered Specialty Packaging, Converting, Engineered and Printing Papers in addition to Tissue and Towel. Using scale and leanness as an advantage, the company challenges industry convention with its manufacturing flexibility, product development lead times and go-to-market strategy.

In May 2011, the Gorham facility was acquired with support from investment funds managed by Patriarch Partners, LLC (Patriarch). Patriarch is a private equity firm and holding company managing 75 companies across 14 industry sectors with revenues in excess of $8 billion.

Founded by Lynn Tilton in 2000, Patriarch focuses on the acquisition and invigoration of undervalued iconic American brands where time, capital and sound strategy can rescue a business and restore its value, creating and preserving jobs in America. Under Ms. Tilton's leadership, Patriarch has become the largest woman-owned business in America with companies in its platform providing employment to more than 120,000 persons.