MIAMISBURG, Ohio – NewPage Corp. announced Tuesday that net sales for the first quarter of 2008 were nearly $1.2 billion, compared to $476 million in the first quarter of 2007.

The results include the first full quarter of combined financial results since the acquisition of Stora Enso North America on Dec. 21, a release issued by NewPage stated.

The increase is $714 million, or 150 percent.

Meanwhile, net income was $7 million in the first quarter of 2008 compared to a net loss of $20 million in the first quarter of 2007.

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization were $158 million for the first quarter of 2008 compared to $46 million for the first quarter of 2007.

“First quarter 2008 volume and average sales prices were both up considerably, and while most of the increase in volume was from the acquisition, average coated paper prices were also up significantly,” Mark A. Suwyn, chairman of the board and chief executive officer, said in the prepared statement. “Demand for our products was strong as a result of rationalized industry supply from reduced imports and capacity closures, as well as some inventory builds by customers in advance of a price increase.”

The company also reported that costs in the first quarter of 2008 increased over the first quarter of 2007. This was largely driven by the increased cost of oil and natural gas, and the effect that had on freight and raw materials.

“We expect crude oil and energy costs to remain high throughout the year,” said Richard D. Willett Jr., president and chief operating officer.

NewPage owns and operates the paper mill in Rumford.