FINCH PAPER ANNOUNCES LEADERSHIP TRANSITION

January 2, 2025 Beth Povie

Drew Gardner Named Chief Executive Officer; Debabrata Mukherjee to Continue Service as Chairman of the Board

GLENS FALLS, NY – January 2, 2025 – Finch Paper, a leading, vertically integrated paper manufacturer specializing in high-bright, uncoated papers for North American printing and converting markets, announced today the promotion of Drew Gardner as Chief Executive Officer, effective February 1, 2025. Drew succeeds Debabrata Mukherjee, who has led the company since 2013 and will continue his service to Finch Paper as Chairman of the Board.

Drew joined Finch Paper as Vice President, Operations in July 2023 and was named President and CFO in April 2024. Prior to Finch, Drew was a Senior Associate with Atlas Holdings (“Atlas”), which has owned and operated Finch since 2007. Earlier in his career, Drew held positions at Blackstone and General Electric. He earned a dual degree in Energy Engineering and Finance from Penn State University.

“Under Deba’s leadership, Finch continued its legacy as an innovator in the paper industry and a cornerstone of the Glens Falls community. Deba has always understood the critical importance of talent to the success of an organization, and this planned transition underscores that commitment. We are grateful for our continuing partnership with Deba as well as his continued service to Finch Paper,” said Atlas Partner Ed Fletcher.

“Over the past decade, Finch Paper has been strengthened through diversification of its product offerings, including the introduction of “first at Finch” products involving digital, converting, book and packaging grades, the acquisition of French Paper in 2019 and the addition of significant new customers. I have had the pleasure of working with Drew over the past year to ensure that our team, customers and partners would be well served through this transition and beyond, and I look forward to seeing where he will take Finch in this next chapter of this storied business,” said Debabrata Mukherjee.

“During Deba’s tenure with Finch, the company has been transformed from a highly product-concentrated mill into one of the most diversified, flexible and stable paper businesses serving the uncoated freesheet market. Over the past year, I’ve seen firsthand the dedication of our Leadership Team and associates, the loyalty of our customers and the opportunities that lie ahead of us. Finch Paper’s legacy is built on exceptional products and the generations of people who have made our story possible. I’m honored to be entrusted with Finch Paper’s tradition as a best-in-class paper supply partner and an economic driver in New York’s capital region,” said Drew Gardner.

About Finch Paper

Having begun with humble roots as a family-owned sawmill, lumberyard and quarry business more than 150 years ago, Finch Paper today is a premier, vertically integrated paper manufacturer specializing in high-bright, uncoated papers for North American printing and converting markets. Using advanced manufacturing systems, Finch produces a broad portfolio of opaque, text and cover and digital papers for multi-press environments. In 2019, Finch acquired French Paper in Michigan, expanding the company’s product lines to include premium custom paper for graphic arts, printing, packaging, writing, text, cover, specialty, and gift applications. French is renowned in the industry for a unique ability to produce custom colors.

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Leonard Cronin named Society of American Foresters District Six (New England & New York) “Presidential Field Forester”

October 30, 2019 Anais Vigneault

Finch Paper and French Paper Company Announce Partnership

August 14, 2019 Beth Povie

Finch Paper and French Paper Company Announce Partnership

Two Iconic Paper Manufacturers, Community Anchors Join Forces; Will Provide Array of Fine Uncoated Paper Products to Customers

Glens Falls, New York – Finch Paper and French Paper Company have announced that French has joined Finch Paper Holdings. Finch Paper is a premier, vertically integrated paper manufacturer specializing in high-bright, uncoated papers for North American printing and converting markets. French Paper, based in Michigan, manufactures premium custom paper for graphic arts, printing, packaging, writing, text, cover, specialty, and gift applications. Together, they will offer customers a superior array of fine uncoated paper products. “We are very pleased to share that French Paper Company has joined Finch Paper Holdings, creating a unique partnership that represents over 300 years of papermaking excellence. With this partnership, we are bringing together two outstanding teams,” said Deba Mukherjee, President and CEO of Finch Paper. “Finch and French have similar histories as iconic paper companies. We are each a pillar in the community we call home, a trusted employer and a manufacturing leader. We are delighted to welcome the French team to our Finch family,” added Mukherjee. While French Paper has joined Finch Paper Holdings, the companies will continue to operate individually. “We are excited about combining the many strengths and resources of Finch with our own and creating a business that will provide outstanding service to current and future customers,” said Jerry French, CEO of French Paper Company.

About Finch Paper

About French Paper

French Paper is a Michigan-based company that manufactures premium custom paper for graphic arts, printing, packaging, writing, text, cover, specialty, and gift applications. French’s offerings enhance many products, including corporate brochures, pocket folders, corporate annual reports, advertising inserts, direct mail, business cards, hang tags, posters, scrapbooks, invitations, personal stationery, labels, and high-end packaging for point-of-purchase advertising. They are renowned in the industry for a unique ability to produce custom colors.

Leonard Cronin Named Forester of the Year

February 24, 2018 Beth Povie

Glens Falls, NY – February 24, 2018 – Leonard Cronin, Regional Manager of Finch Forest Management, was presented the 2017 Forester of the Year award by the New York Society of American Foresters (NYSAF). This honor recognizes Len’s outstanding contributions to the profession of forestry, the stewardship of forest resources in New York, and the objectives of the Society of American Foresters.

Bruce Breitmeyer, NYSAF awards committee chair, notes “Len has had an outstanding career with over 30 years of ‘feet in the forest’ in the Adirondacks and Upstate New York. His leadership at Finch in his forestry profession has been outstanding and his efforts directly contributed to the excellent condition of some of the most prestigious lands in the Adirondacks.”

Len Cronin has been managing forests for Finch since 1986. His work exemplifies the company’s dedication to cultivate the vast Adirondack lands to satisfy the demand for wood while at the same time conserving natural resources and the wildlife that make their homes there. Finch Paper Vice President, Forestry Michael McLarty explains, “As other paper companies have walked away from forest management, we have undeniable passion to stay directly involved with the long-term health of the forest.” In 2009, Finch launched a consulting forestry services division, Finch Forest Management, whereby the tenured foresters work on behalf of private and public landowners. Mr. McLarty continues, “Len has led our forestry team and is highly regarded by landowners, environmental organizations and government agencies across the region.”

Len’s dedication to the profession goes beyond his responsibilities at Finch. Mr. Breitmeyer said “Len always takes time to mentor foresters just starting their career and is active in his promotion of the profession throughout the community. He is actively involved in SAF, Ranger School, BOCES and has made numerous presentations to students of all ages. He is always looking for ways to promote good forestry.”

Finch hired one of the nation’s first professional foresters, Howard Churchill, in 1910 and has been caring for over 100,000 acres of land for generations. “There’s no doubt that Mr. Churchill would share in our pride for Len’s work, integrity and leadership,” said Debabrata Mukherjee, president of Finch Paper LLC. “He is most deserving of this honor given by his fellow professionals at the NYSAF.”

Finch Paper was the first integrated paper manufacturer in the United States to receive both the Forest Management and Chain-of-Custody certifications from the Forest Stewardship Council® and Sustainable Forestry Initiative®. Finch papers are made using two-thirds renewable energy produced by on-site hydroelectric and cogeneration facilities and has been a responsible, sustainable New York State manufacturer for more than a century. To learn more, visit www.finchpaper.com.

About Finch Forest Management
Finch Forest Management provides forest management services to private and public landowners interested in long-term forest health, increased revenue, reduced ownership costs, and/or superior recreation and wildlife management. Our specialties include sustainable forestry and third-party certification, timber valuation and inventory, responsible harvesting, and recreational leases. To learn more, visit www.finchpaper.com/forest-management-services/.

Finch Paper Announces High-Speed Inkjet Brand-Expansion Plan

February 26, 2017 Beth Povie

Finch Inkjet Pi renamed Finch Opaque Jet; Finch Smartbook Jet adds 92-bright text.

Glens Falls, NY – February 27, 2017 – Finch Paper sets itself apart by providing printers with domestic solutions to capitalize on their high-speed inkjet investments. Making it easier than ever to select the right paper, Finch Paper has updated and expanded its paper brands. The most notable being the announcement of Finch Opaque Jet.

“Folding the Finch Inkjet Pi product into Finch’s legendary brand, Finch Opaque, is a win-win for our loyal direct mail customers,” said Greg Maio, vice president of sales of Finch Paper. “Corporate buyers who have previously specified Finch Opaque can fast track the approval process for Finch Opaque Jet on inkjet platforms.” Greg continues, “It’s a brand that is immediately recognized and trusted.”

The design and specifications of Finch Opaque Jet have not changed. The 96-bright sheet is treated for pigmented inkjet systems and is available in basis weights from 45 lb. text to 130 lb. text/ 9 pt. reply. The shade matches Finch Opaque’s expansive line for sheetfed and web offset printing as well as Finch Opaque Digital for toner-based printing.

Expanding its line of on-demand book papers, Finch has added three text weights to the Finch Smartbook family. Finch Smartbook Jet Text is a treated, 92-bright substrate used for pigmented inkjet applications requiring higher black ink densities than standard offset papers. Finch Smartbook Jet Text delivers ultra-crisp reproduction and optimizes the cost of consumables.

“Our customers value Finch’s optimized approach for each segment,” said Greg Maio. “Finch Opaque Jet is positioned to support our commercial print and direct mail customers as they realize inkjet’s speed, flexibility, and superior results.”

About Finch Paper
Finch Paper LLC is a leading, privately-owned and vertically integrated paper manufacturer specializing in high-bright, uncoated papers for North American printing and converting markets. Using advanced manufacturing systems, Finch produces a broad portfolio of opaque, text and cover and digital papers for multi-press environments, including recognized brands such as Finch Fine®, Finch Opaque, Finch ThruPut Wove and Finch Mailstream.

Finch Paper was the first integrated paper manufacturer in the United States to receive both the Forest Management and Chain-of-Custody certifications from the Forest Stewardship Council® and Sustainable Forestry Initiative®. Finch is one of only a few paper companies that continue to manage forests. Finch papers are made using two-thirds renewable energy produced by on-site hydroelectric and cogeneration facilities and has been a responsible, sustainable New York State manufacturer for more than a century. To learn more, visit www.finchpaper.com.

Finch Paper, visit www.finchpaper.com, call (800) 833-9983 or contact your local Finch Paper merchant.

Finch Paper Names Alexander Rotolo President of Finch Waste Co

August 4, 2016 Beth Povie

Finch Expands Leadership Team to
Grow Its New, Strategic Platform Business

GLENS FALLS, N.Y. – August 4, 2016 - Finch Paper Holdings LLC, a leading vertically integrated high-bright uncoated freesheet paper manufacturer, today announced the appointment of Alexander Rotolo as Business Unit President of Finch Waste Co and Vice President of Corporate Development for Finch Paper. Mr. Rotolo will be responsible for leading the strategy and execution of Finch Waste Co’s growth initiatives and will report to Finch Paper Holdings Chief Executive Officer, Debabrata Mukherjee.

“Alex’s track record of developing, leading and executing key strategic initiatives for Finch Paper was integral to maintaining Finch Paper’s status as one of the most sustainable manufacturers of high-quality uncoated freesheet paper in North America. As a testament to Finch’s ability to creatively drive value, our newly launched solid waste business is undergoing tremendous growth and is poised for significant development under Alex’s leadership,” said Dr. Mukherjee.

Finch Waste Co operates a solid waste disposal facility in the Town of Northumberland, New York, acquired in partnership with Saratoga County in 2014. This acquisition expanded Finch’s capabilities as Finch has responsibly owned and operated paper residual disposal facilities in New York for decades. In addition to handling paper residuals, Finch Waste Co accepts residential and commercial waste from communities across New York and New England.

Mr. Rotolo brings ten years of experience in finance and operations to his new role. Most recently, he served as Finch Paper’s Director of Corporate Development. In this position, he was responsible for strategic projects and acquisitions including overseeing the modernization of Finch’s Woodyard operations which significantly improved the integrated paper mill’s cost structure. The Woodyard investment had a wide-reaching positive impact on the Northeast forest economy.

Prior to joining Finch, Mr. Rotolo worked with the company’s majority owner, Atlas Holdings, as a member of its Field Analyst Program. This program embeds talented emerging leaders at portfolio businesses, allowing them to support the senior leadership team in developing and executing upon value creation initiatives.

Mr. Rotolo received his Bachelors Degree in Biological Sciences and Economics from Connecticut College.

About Finch Waste Co

Finch Waste Co LLC, a business unit of Finch Paper Holdings LLC, is a waste management facility that accepts municipal solid waste (MSW) and construction & demolition (C&D) materials. Built by Saratoga County and purchased by Finch in 2014, this centrally located facility is ideal for businesses and communities in New York and New England.

About Finch Paper

Finch Paper is one of the largest privately-owned pulp and paper companies in the United States. Finch Paper specializes in uncoated papers and offers customer-tailored substrates for digital and conventional print applications. Finch’s promise is simple: affordable products, made with environmental integrity and delivered with the type of personal service customers remember and respect.

Finch Paper Debuts revolutionary Market-Optimized Solutions at 2016 Inkjet Summit

April 12, 2016 Beth Povie

Glens Falls, NY – April 12, 2016 – As the inaugural keynote sponsor, Finch Paper has believed in the Inkjet Summit from its inception and will debut its latest inkjet substrate, Mailstream One, during this year’s conference. Finch’s unique Inkjet Portfolio is optimized for each of the major print segments: direct mail, books, and transactional printing. Finch’s market-segment approach aligns with inkjet business’ needs--and contrasts with the “one size fits all” phenomenon in legacy paper markets. “Finch Paper has garnered valuable insight from Inkjet Summit executives,” said Greg Maio, vice president of sales and marketing. “Finch’s product design and marketing expertise makes it easier for inkjet printers to optimize their own systems.”

Finch sets itself apart by providing domestic product and service solutions to help printers capitalize on their inkjet investments. Finch’s comprehensive inkjet portfolio (link to website) features innovative opacity along with proprietary surface treatments for dye-based and pigment inkjet web systems. Beyond maximizing ink density and dry time, Finch Paper has designed inkjet products with features best suited for the specific market application:

· Commercial Printing: Finch Inkjet Pi

· Direct Mail: Finch Mailstream

· Transactional: Finch Mailstream

· Books: Finch Smartbook Jet

The Finch Mailstream family includes Finch Mailstream DS, Mailstream XP96 and Mailstream XP92 in an expansive range of 40 lb. text to 9 pt. reply. “Finch Mailstream One a premium, treated sheet boasting higher ink densities for dye-based transactional applications” noted Greg Maio. “While market disruptions are expected to continue, Finch is expanding our position as a sustainable, supply chain partner.”

Finch Paper was the first integrated paper manufacturer in the United States to receive both the Forest Management and Chain-of-Custody certifications from the Forest Stewardship Council® and Sustainable Forestry Initiative®. Finch is one of only a few paper companies that continues to manage forests. Finch papers are made using two-thirds renewable energy produced by on-site hydroelectric and cogeneration facilities and has been a responsible, sustainable New York State manufacturer for more than a century. To learn more, visit www.finchpaper.com.

Finch Paper and New Leaf Paper Announce Strategic Partnership for Leading Recycled Uncoated Paper

February 15, 2016 Elizabeth Delos

Contact:
Beth Povie
Marketing and Communications Director

(518) 793-2541; ext. 5482

Finch Paper becomes the exclusive manufacturer and distributor of 100% PCW recycled New Leaf Ingenuity.

Glens Falls, NY – February 15, 2016 – New Leaf Paper signed a partnership agreement with Finch Paper to manufacture and distribute New Leaf Ingenuity, its market-leading 100% PCW recycled uncoated paper. According to New Leaf founder, Jeff Mendelsohn, “by streamlining the supply chain with Finch, our customers will gain improved availability and service, enabling us to best support the rapid growth in demand.”

New Leaf Paper markets commercial printing papers that carry the highest-level of environmental certifications. Founded in 1998, New Leaf Paper has built a market for 100% recycled papers among corporations, universities and other institutions wishing to showcase their environmental stewardship. “Ingenuity and Ingenuity Digital are receiving top marks from our design and print customers across the country,” said Jeff Mendelsohn, New Leaf Paper Founder and Chair.

As a recognized environmental steward, Finch Paper produces a broad range of value-driven uncoated printing and converting papers including New Leaf Ingenuity made with 100% pcw fiber. “We co-developed this remarkable printing grade with New Leaf in 2014 and are pleased to offer easy and affordable access through our distribution partners” said Greg Maio, Finch Paper Vice President Sales and Marketing. Effective February 22, 2016, all sales orders for New Leaf Ingenuity will be handled directly with Finch Paper and its distributors.

New Leaf Ingenuity is a premium uncoated printing grade featuring 100% post-consumer fiber, 96-brightness and an outstanding print surface with high ink holdout for vivid colors and detail. With a complementary Digital line, New Leaf Ingenuity is stocked and sold by Finch Paper in a full-line of 60 lb. text to 130 lb. double-thick cover. New Leaf Ingenuity carries the FSC® Recycled label, is Green-e certified, and made process chlorine free.

Finch Paper was the first integrated paper manufacturer in the United States to receive both the Forest Management and Chain-of-Custody certifications from the Forest Stewardship Council® and Sustainable Forestry Initiative®. Finch is one of only a few paper companies that continues to manage forests. Finch papers are made using two-thirds renewable energy produced by on-site hydroelectric and cogeneration facilities and has been a responsible, sustainable New York State manufacturer for more than a century. To learn more, visit www.finchpaper.com.

Finch Paper, visit www.finchpaper.com, call (800) 833-9983 or contact your local Finch Paper merchant.

About New Leaf Paper

Jeff Mendelsohn founded New Leaf Paper in 1998 with the mission of leading a shift toward sustainability in the paper industry. The company developed a unique approach to business, embedding its social and environmental values into every product line and every business relationship.

New Leaf Paper's innovative strategy solved the classic "chicken or the egg" dilemma between the supply side and demand side of the paper industry which had previously inhibited change. Leveraging a collaborative business model and the strength of the company's mission, New Leaf Paper achieved an unrivaled track record of leading product innovation and developed the market for truly environmentally responsible papers in North America.

New Leaf Paper was first to market with 100% post-consumer papers of unparalleled brightness and printing specifications, including the first-ever 100% post-consumer recycled coated papers, book publishing papers and more. Its product innovation and market success has caused major paper manufacturers to take notice and to enhance the environmental design of their products -- indirectly widening New Leaf Paper's environmental impact. Thus, the company's business activity both generates immediate environmental benefits and serves the company's greater mission by pioneering markets and shifting the behavior of its competitors.

New Leaf Paper also led the paper industry in quantifying the benefits of using post-consumer recycled fiber, with the New Leaf Paper Eco Audit. From 1998 through 2009, New Leaf Paper saved the following resources by manufacturing paper using post-consumer recycled fiber instead of virgin fiber.

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