Friday, September 23, 2016 9:15 am

FORT MILL, S.C. -- Domtar Corporation announced Friday a plan to optimize fluff pulp manufacturing at its Plymouth 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 will also 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 LighthouseTM Fluff, the benchmark grade for high-quality fluff pulp.

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Half the proceeds of the 7th Annual Light Green Machine Institute Conference go to the NC State Pulp & Paper Foundation Scholarship Fund

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"This action at Plymouth along with the start-up 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 Chief Executive Officer 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.