Marietta, Ga. - Graphic Packaging International, Inc., a subsidiary of Graphic Packaging Holding Company, today announced that it plans to close its beverage carton facility in Cincinnati, Ohio.  The Company will transition business and equipment from Cincinnati to its operations in West Monroe, La., and Perry, Ga. The closure of the Cincinnati beverage facility, which will be completed on or about Aug. 31, 2011, reflects the Company's ongoing efforts to align its manufacturing footprint to the changing needs of its customers and to improve its cost structure and margins to better position it for future growth.

"While the closing of the Cincinnati facility was a difficult decision, it was a necessary step in our ongoing efforts to align our manufacturing footprint to the changing needs of the market," said President and CEO David Scheible.  "This plan includes an expansion to the Perry site and will further capitalize on Perry and West Monroe's close proximity to the Macon and West Monroe mills, respectively."

The Cincinnati beverage carton facility will continue to operate and support customers while its business is transitioned to the Perry and West Monroe facilities over the next four months. The Company has notified its Cincinnati employees and will provide the appropriate assistance to those affected.  Of course, GPI continues to work closely with its customers to ensure a smooth transition of business.