Glens Falls, NY - Finch Paper today announces the appointment of Robert (Bob) M. McDonald to the position of Vice President, Manufacturing. Bob joins Finch with 30 years of paper industry manufacturing experience.

Most recently, Bob held the position of Director of Manufacturing at Green Bay Packaging's Coated Products Division in Green Bay, WI, where he was responsible for six operating facilities. Prior to that, Bob was Vice President, Operations at Wausau Papers Printing & Writing division. He was also Vice President, Operations at Fox River Paper Company in Appleton, WI. Additional industry experience includes six years with Kimberly-Clark Corporation; four of which were with Neenah Paper and two as Mill Manager for the company's Coosa Pines, AL newsprint operation.

At Finch Paper, Bob's responsibilities encompass all aspects of the manufacturing process, from the wood yard through the pulp and paper making process, to converting and finishing. He is also charged with overseeing the power plant and waste treatment operations, as well as all maintenance and engineering functions.

Bob will utilize his extensive background in Lean and Six Sigma methodology to further the mill-wide Continuous Improvement Initiative, started by Finch Paper last year. The Continuous Improvement Initiative won the 2009 Pulp & Paper International (PPI) Award for Efficiency Improvements worldwide. The Initiative made it possible for Finch to reduce its energy consumption by 4% and $2 million, reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 13%, and achieve nearly $4.2 million in savings through manufacturing-related efficiency improvements.

"Bob's broad experience spans all levels of mill operations," says Finch Paper President and CEO Joseph Raccuia. "I am confident his knowledge and experience will greatly benefit our company and its continued success."

Bob holds a B.S. in Paper Science from Western Michigan University. In recent years, he has gained considerable knowledge and experience in the use of Lean and Six Sigma tools for operational and overall business improvements. In 2008, he achieved his Six Sigma Green Belt certification.