Domtar Optimizing Fluff Pulp Production, Streamlining Plymouth Mill

Domtar Corp., Fort Mill, S.C., USA, has announced a plan to optimize fluff pulp manufacturing at its Plymouth, N.C., mill. The streamlining measures will strengthen the mill’s position in the global fluff pulp markets. 

The restructuring, which is expected to be completed by mid-2017, includes the permanent closure of the small pulp dryer and idling of related assets, in addition to a workforce reduction of approximately 100 positions. The streamlining process also will right-size the mill to an annualized production target of approximately 380,000 metric tons of fluff pulp. The Plymouth mill will continue to produce Lighthouse™ Fluff, the benchmark grade for high-quality fluff pulp

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"This action at Plymouth along with the startup of fluff pulp production at Ashdown will optimize Domtar’s fluff pulp manufacturing network and strengthen our position in the growing fluff-pulp market," said Domtar President and CEO John D. Williams. "We remain committed to the Plymouth mill, where we have made significant investments in the past several years. These changes will prepare the mill for long-term, sustainable success." 

Fluff pulp is bleached softwood cellulose fiber used worldwide in absorbent applications such as baby diapers, feminine hygiene, and adult incontinence products. 

 

Domtar is a producer of a wide variety of fiber-based products including communication, specialty and packaging papers, market pulp, and absorbent hygiene products. With approximately 10,000 employees serving more than 50 countries around the world, Domtar is driven by a commitment to turn sustainable wood fiber into useful products that people rely on every day. The company’s annual sales are approximately $5.3 billion.