Potlatch News: Impact on STMA, GNWR, BGCM?
Author: Bruce Kelly
Date: 10-23-2008 - 15:08
Per today's spokesmanreview.com, Potlatch's 3rd quarter earnings reported at $25.3 million, down from $41 million 3rd quarter 2007. However, net earnings in consumer products division (toilet paper and tissue products, much of it from Potlatch's Lewiston plant) were more than double last year's 3rd quarter. Potlatch board reportedly "authorized spinoff of its pulp-based business into a new firm, Clearwater Paper Corp." Sounds like this will be the new name for the Lewiston mill operation. Great Northwest has the paper/pulp business to hang onto, plus fertilizer and more, but what of the heavily lumber-dependent BG&CM and Potlatch-owned STMA? Tough times in timber country, again.