Graphic Packaging Names Vice President and Resident Manager of Louisiana Paper Mill MARIETTA, Ga., Feb. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Graphic Packaging Corporation (NYSE: GPK) today announced the appointment of Karl Christianson to Vice President and Resident Manager of its paper mill located in West Monroe, Louisiana. Effective February 7, 2005, he replaces Herb Graham, who has been promoted to Vice President Technology and Engineering Services. In his new role, Christianson assumes responsibility for paperboard operations in Graphic Packaging Corporation's (GPC) largest paper mill, West Monroe. Graham will now focus specifically on driving cost reduction and operating efficiency initiatives throughout GPC's paperboard division. Both positions report directly to Steven Saucier, Senior Vice President, Paperboard Operations. "Karl and Herb bring proven and impressive leadership skills in the paperboard industry to these critical positions -- their presence builds on an already strong team," stated Saucier. "With their leadership, we are poised to continue our cost reduction and asset utilization efforts that enable us to be an industry leader. Karl and Herb will be invaluable as we pursue these objectives," he added. Christianson joins GPC from Tembec, where he served as Vice President and General Manager of Tembec's St. Francisville, Louisiana paper mill. Previously, Christianson held similar positions with well-known manufacturing companies including Mead Corporation, Gaylord Container Corporation, and Repap Wisconsin, Inc. Herb Graham has been with GPC for more than 30 years, during which time he has held positions of increasing responsibility within the paperboard division. Most recently, he served as Vice President and Resident Manager of GPC's West Monroe, Louisiana paper mill -- a position he held for over seven years. About Graphic Packaging Corporation Graphic Packaging Corporation was formed in August 2003 as a result of the merger of Riverwood Holding, Inc. and Graphic Packaging International Corporation. Graphic Packaging is a leading provider of paperboard packaging solutions to the beverage, food and consumer product industries. Additional information about Graphic Packaging, its business and its products is available on the Company's Web site at http://www.graphicpkg.com/. Forward Looking Statement This release includes forward-looking statements as to management's or the Company's expectations and beliefs. Forward-looking statements are made upon management's current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects on the Company, as to which there can be no assurance. Important factors detailed in the Company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings, as well as the following important factors, could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties relating to the merger with Graphic Packaging International Corporation; the Company's substantial amount of debt; achieving improved volumes in North American consumer products packaging and North American beverage carton markets; the sale of additional paperboard into the open market; the selling prices the Company realizes for its products; the extent to which the Company can implement its business strategies and achieve forecasted synergies; prolonged disruptions in the Company's production facilities; competitive conditions; the volatility of energy and raw material costs and availability; the loss of key executives; general economic and business conditions both in the U.S. and globally; labor relations; currency translation movements and the risks of doing business in foreign countries. DATASOURCE: Graphic Packaging Corporation CONTACT: Wayne Juby, SVP Human Resources, Graphic Packaging Corporation, , +1-770-644-3000 Web site: http://www.graphicpkg.com/

Copyright