Global Competition Strikes Small-Town America The paper industry has been wracked in recent years by consolidation, obsolete facility closures, global competition and unfavorable exchange rate fluctuations. UPM, the world's largest producer of magazine and catalog papers, has undertaken three restructurings in North America in the past four years, resulting in the loss of 34% of its workforce.
The company began the process by embarking on difficult labor contract negotiations at its largest U.S. production facility and the closure of two of its four production lines, putting one-third of the site's employees out of work.
Tipitina Communications' President Rebecca Theim oversaw a comprehensive employee, media and governmental communications program that played a critical role in the 10-month restructuring. The result? The facility achieved profitability and is now a candidate for an $800 million expansion.
To view a digital summary of this issues management/crisis communications program - and the critical role communications played in it - please click the "movie" icon below.
To learn more about the continuation of the restructuring process - this time in the company's Canadian operations - please click here.
