VERSO ANNOUNCES CLOSURE OF BUCKSPORT, MAINE PAPER MILL

Bucksport, Maine - Verso Paper Corp. (NYSE:VRS) today announced plans to close its paper mill in Bucksport, Maine. The closure of the mill is expected to occur in the fourth quarter of 2014. The mill closure will reduce Verso’s coated groundwood paper production capacity by approximately 350,000 tons and its specialty paper production capacity by approximately 55,000 tons.

“The Bucksport mill unfortunately has not been profitable for a number of years, in spite of our employees’ dedicated efforts to make it so. Our assessment indicates that it is impossible for the mill to achieve profitability in today’s marketplace,” said Verso President and Chief Executive Officer, Dave Paterson.

“This decision is especially difficult because of the significant impact that the closure of the

Maine Department of Labor Assisting Workers at Verso in Bucksport

*Rapid Response team will schedule sessions and apply for Trade assistance*

Bucksport, Maine - The Rapid Response team of the Maine Department of Labor has contacted the owners of Verso Paper Corp. in Bucksport. The WARN notification will be issued today with an anticipated closure date of December 1, 2014. The power plant will stay open. This shut down is anticipated to affect more than 400 union workers and an additional 100-plus salaried employees.

"This is a true loss for the region," said Governor Paul R. LePage. "We are putting all of our available resources into assisting these workers, this industry and this region and we are also going to assist in the search for a buyer for this operation."

The Rapid Response team will be meeting with the union and company officials as soon as possible