2009 was an economically challenging year worldwide, and we certainly felt its effects in our markets and along our supply chain.

Pressures came in many forms – financial restructuring, job losses and weaker consumer confidence, reduced advertising levels and significant structural changes in the printing papers industry. For our customers and for us, these were not hypothetical problems and addressing them required tough decisions. At Catalyst it meant curtailing 42% of our capacity during much of the year as we matched production to the demand of a smaller market.

While there is now a hint of broader economic recovery, the cyclical and structural impacts of the recession on our sector are still uncertain. And, this reminds us that the low cost culture we have established over the past year is as important as our ongoing commitment to product development, technical and pressroom quality and service responsiveness.

...efficiency is the solution!

At Catalyst, we know our customers count on us to help meet the many challenges these tough economic times present. That’s why we concentrated on cost-efficiency initiatives designed to deliver a competitive value proposition for your business, no matter what the future brings.

Our focus on supply chain efficiency kept your orders shipping smoothly to reach pressrooms safely, on time and damage-free.

We continued to innovate, adjusting processes and developing grades that reflect a marketplace in flux. Where scale and standardization were once the defining characteristics of our sector, flexibility and adaptation are the new requirements and we are keenly aware, at Catalyst, of the need to keep pace with this reality.

Though the need to change is ever-present, we make sustainability a constant element in our offer to customers. Evidence of our ongoing commitment included being named a Climate Disclosure Leader, achieving FSC certification at our Snowflake Arizona mill, which is now manufacturing improved, 100% recycled grades, and continuing to offer carbon-lite Catalyst Cooled grades made at our specialty paper mills in British Columbia.

We know that when the going gets tough, it’s time to be even more efficient. As we look ahead, our resolve is strong. As a lean, cost-focused, innovative and sustainability-minded supplier, we will continue to work hard to earn the business of like-minded customers.

Thank you for your support and business in 2009. All of us at Catalyst Paper offer you our sincere best wishes for a joyful holiday season, and a busy – and successful – New Year.

Tom Crowley
Senior Vice-President,
Sales & Marketing