SOUTHWORTH COMPANY STRENGTHENS MANUFACTURING CAPABILITIES ACQUIRING ESLEECK PAPER COMPANY

Agawam, Mass., Friday, February 24, 2006-- Southworth Company, producer of Southworth® brand premium business papers and related products, announced today that it has purchased the assets of Esleeck Manufacturing Company a manufacturer of high quality uncoated writing, technical and specialty papers.

The acquisition of the Esleeck paper mill in Turners Falls, MA will provide a strong operational extension for the Southworth brand of paper products. As part of the integration, the Southworth paper making operation in West Springfield, MA will be shut down. The Turners Falls mill capabilities include a broad range of paper weights, card stocks, colors, cotton fiber and rag content, extending the Southworth product range.

“We regret having to close down the West Springfield paper making operations after 167 years of service, but we will recognize higher efficiencies and opportunity for product development out of the Turners Falls mill,” said David C. Southworth, President. “This acquisition provides additional capacity and a greater level of operational capabilities for Southworth customers in our core retail and office products market. In addition, the Esleeck papers customer base provides a new platform for growth in technical, specialty and art paper markets.”

Southworth branded converting operations, fulfillment, administration, sales and marketing will continue to operate out of the Agawam, MA headquarters. Southworth paper making operations will be located in Turners Falls, as well as sales, manufacturing and support personnel for current Esleeck printing & writing, technical, and specialty paper customers.

Southworth Company is a privately-held corporation based in Agawam, Massachusetts, its premium business papers, resume papers and related products are marketed under the Southworth® and Eaton® brands through major national retailers, office product dealers and international distributors. Founded in 1839 by Edward and Wells Southworth, the company is now run by a fifth-generation member of the family, David C. Southworth.

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