LAKE FOREST, Ill., Apr 25, 2005 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Packaging Corporation of America (NYSE:PKG) announced today the acquisition of Midland Container Corporation, a producer of high quality graphics packaging and displays and corrugated products with annual sales of $35 million.

Midland Container's facilities purchased include a full line corrugated plant located in Jackson, Mississippi, a specialty sheet plant located in St. Louis, Missouri, and a graphics packaging and display manufacturing facility in Olive Branch, Mississippi, located in the Memphis, Tennessee metropolitan area.

Paul T. Stecko, Chairman and CEO of PCA, said, "The acquisition of Midland Container Corporation expands PCA's presence with the addition of our first plants in Mississippi and Missouri. These new facilities complement our existing facilities and provide new areas of corrugated products growth for our company".

Mr. Stecko also said, "Midland Container Corporation began in the box business over fifty years ago, and we look forward to continuing their history of providing excellent service to their customers".

PCA is the sixth largest producer of containerboard and corrugated packaging products in the United States with sales of $1.9 billion in 2004. PCA operates four paper mills, and with the acquisition of Midland Container, 69 corrugated product plants in 28 states across the country.

SOURCE: Packaging Corporation of America

Packaging Corporation of America
Barbara Sessions (Investor Relations), 877-454-2509
PCA's Website: www.packagingcorp.com