"We recognize the need to increase operational efficiencies, change our business model and improve customer satisfaction and value," stated George Glatfelter II, Chairman, President and CEO. "Project IMPACT will include changes to our organization and our business processes, as well as establish an e-commerce framework that will be scaled across the Company." Part of the Company’s plan to enhance its information technology system includes the installation of an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. Once implemented, the ERP will enable P. H. Glatfelter Company to respond to customers in a timely, more cost-effective manner. The goal, said Mr. Glatfelter, is to bring the Company closer to its customers’ needs.

"Even though this effort will provide significant financial benefits, the main driver is much more strategic in nature," Mr. Glatfelter added. "We believe that we need to transform our business in order to provide greater customer value and to compete effectively in the 21^st century."

Project IMPACT began in July 2000. During that initial phase, preliminary design work was completed that focused on identifying necessary changes to Glatfelter’s organization and its business processes, and the role that technology will play in enhancing those new processes. The second phase of Project IMPACT is underway and is expected to extend over several years.

"Glatfelter’s transformation will only be achieved with the participation of our employees," Mr. Glatfelter added. "It will require their understanding of why we need to change and a willingness to accept those changes. I am confident that our employees will again rise to the occasion and ensure the Company’s success."

The Board of Directors also declared a quarterly dividend on its outstanding common stock as follows:

Any statements set forth in this press release with regard to the Company’s expectations as to financial benefits may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Although the Company makes such statements based on assumptions that it believes to be reasonable, there can be no assurance that actual results will not differ materially from the Company’s expectations. Factors that could cause or contribute to actual results differing materially from such forward-looking statements are discussed in the Company’s Securities and Exchange Commission filings.

  2000 The P.H. Glatfelter Company