Appleton, Wisconsin, USA, 08 August 2008 -- /PRNewswire/ -- Appleton employees represented by Local 10-0422 of the United Steelworkers Union have approved a four-year labor agreement affecting the company's paper mill at Roaring Spring, Pennsylvania. On Friday, the mill's union employees ratified the new contract by a vote of 222 to 73.

The agreement includes improvements in wages and benefits and addresses other issues ensuring that Appleton remains competitive as the world leader in carbonless, thermal, and security paper products. The mill's 370 union employees had been operating without a contract since the previous contract expired 17 November 2007. However, mill operations have continued normally since that time.

Tony Fago, Roaring Spring mill manager, said the company is pleased to have a new contract agreement in place and that the mill is ready to move forward with serving the company's customers.

In an earlier statement, Walter Schonfeld, president of Appleton's Technical Papers Division, said the contract agreement means both sides can share a victory. "Spring mill employees play a vital role in our company. I'm happy we reached an agreement that recognizes their contributions and addresses important issues for both parties," Schonfeld said.

Appleton creates product solutions through its development and use of coating formulations and applications, and encapsulation technology. The company produces carbonless, thermal, security, and performance packaging products. Appleton is headquartered in Appleton, Wisconsin, has manufacturing operations in Wisconsin, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts, employs approximately 2400 people, and is 100% employee owned.