Neenah Distribution Recovery Advances After Wisconsin Tornado

Neenah is making progress restoring distribution capabilities after a powerful tornado destroyed its primary stocking warehouse in Menasha, Wisconsin, on July 27.

The 450,000-square-foot facility housed approximately 32 million pounds of paper inventory. The building was destroyed by the tornado, and activation of the sprinkler system resulted in the loss of the inventory stored there. Neenah reported no major injuries at the facility. Its mills and converting operations were not affected and have continued operating normally, with additional manufacturing capacity allocated to replenish inventory.

The National Weather Service rated the tornado an EF3, with estimated peak winds of 140 mph. It traveled approximately 12.4 miles through the Appleton, Fox Crossing, and Menasha area, damaging numerous homes and businesses before reaching Lake Winnebago.

Neenah quickly secured replacement warehouse capacity in the area and began rebuilding inventory, a process expected to take several months. The company initially faced limited logistics and warehouse capabilities while equipment and infrastructure were restored.

Three weeks after the storm, however, Neenah reports significant progress. Alternate warehouse capacity is now operating, and product is moving smoothly from manufacturing facilities to those locations. Shipment volumes are also increasing as fulfillment processes improve.

Customers can now use Neenah's eAssist portal to see current available inventory and expected replenishment dates for stock products.

One of the latest milestones is the return of mixed-pallet orders. Neenah can now build mixed pallets of available products, although shipment volumes will require some ramp-up time. The change provides greater flexibility after the company had initially been limited to shipping full pallets per SKU.

Neenah has also begun replenishing high-demand envelope products.

The company's Force Majeure Period remains in effect as recovery work continues, but the latest milestones represent progress toward restoring normal service levels and improving product availability.