Packaging

Smurfit-Stone Announces Decision to Discontinue Operations at its Whitby, Ontario Facility

Thursday 04. September 2008 - Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation (NASDAQ:SSCC) today announced its decision to discontinue operations at its Smurfit-MBI corrugated container facility located in Whitby, Ontario. Existing business will be transitioned to nearby Smurfit-MBI facilities.

This decision is part of the company’s overall strategic transformation plan focused on improving overall performance and customer satisfaction. Reorganizing container operations to create specialized manufacturing capabilities, better utilize assets and enhance efficiencies is a key step in positioning the company for future growth and success.

A total of 123 employees (106 hourly and 17 salaried employees) will be affected by this closure. The plant is tentatively scheduled to close at the end of October 2008.