IP Begins Fluff Pulp Production at Franklin, Va., Mill
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International Paper Co., Memphis, Tenn., USA, this past week started fluff pulp production at its Franklin, Va., mill, with 200 employees, according to a report by the Richmond Times-Dispatch newspaper. The mill employed some 1,100 people when it was closed in 2010. In May 2011, IP announced that it would reopen part of the plant to make fluff pulp used in disposable diapers and hygiene products. The mill had previously produced printing and writing papers.
IP reportedly invested about $90 million to repurpose the Franklin mill to fluff pulp. Once in full operation, the mill is expected to produce approximately 840 tpd of fluff pulp, most of which the company expects to export.
About 85% of the 200 employees now working at the mill had been employed there before it was closed, the newspaper noted.
As reported by the Richmond Times-Dispatch, IP is using about one-third of the mill space, which covers a total of about 250 acres as part of a 3,500-acre complex. The company also continues to use its power generation facility and its wood yard. The company has said it is seeking tenants to use other parts of the plant.
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