Rayonier to Convert Jesup Fluff Pulp Line to Dissolving Pulp

Rayonier, Jacksonville, Fla., USA, will convert its C fluff pulp line at Jesup Ga., to produce dissolving pulp. The $300 million investment in the CSE (cellulose specialties expansion) will create some 350 construction jobs and more long-term stability, the company noted this past week. The converted line is expected to startup in mid-2013.

The Rayonier Performance Fibers mill at Jesup currently has three production lines—the A and B lines produce cellulose specialties, and the C line produces commodity-grade absorbent fluff pulp materials used in diapers and feminine-hygiene products. Following the C line conversion at Jesup, the company's dissolving pulp capacity, including its Fernandina Beach, Fla., mill, increases to 650,000 metric tpy.

Rayonier is a key global producer of high quality dissolving pulps, but is a relatively small player in commodity fluff pulp markets. With the C line conversion at Jesup, the company will exit commodity-grade fluff pulp production.

TAPPI
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