IP's Franklin, Va., Mill to Begin Fluff Pulp Production in June

The International Paper (Memphis, Tenn., USA) mill in Isle of Wight, Va. (Near Franklin) is nearing its rebirth from uncoated freesheet production to fluff pulp, employing about 220 people. According to a report this week in The Daily Press of Newport News, IP has invested some $83 million into the renovation. When completed, with startup planned for next month, the mill, which was shuttered in June 2010, will crank out up to 270,000 tpy of fluff pulp. Fluff pulp is used in a variety of absorbent products (baby diapers, adult incontinence products, feminine hygiene products, etc.) and in airlaid products such as cleaning and baby wipes.

Isle of Wight County Supervisor Rex Alphin said the county will begin receiving about $500,000 annually in machinery and tools tax revenue starting in December 2013. When IP closed the mill, more than 1,100 people lost their jobs.

According to earlier releases, the Franklin fluff pulp facility will be 89% energy self-sufficient, utilizing power generated from carbon-neutral biomass on-site.

A number of factors influenced IP's decision to locate a fluff pulp mill in Franklin, including a skilled local workforce, the condition of the mill's current assets, a wide range of transportation options, and the availability of U.S. southern pine in the region. The unique fiber length and absorption properties of this species of southern pine makes it ideal for producing high quality fluff pulp.

TAPPI
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