Domtar Corporation, a leading provider of a wide variety of fibre-based products including communication, specialty and packaging papers, market pulp, and absorbent hygiene products, has announced a plan to optimise 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 processes will also right-size the mill to an annualised 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.

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

Domtar president and chief executive officer John D. Williams said, “This action at Plymouth along with the start-up of fluff pulp production at Ashdown will optimise Domtar’s fluff pulp manufacturing network and strengthen our position in the growing fluff-pulp market. 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.” (GK)