News Paper Pulp
Domtar converting paper machine to fluff pulp at Arkansas mill

Domtar has announced a $160-million capital project to convert a paper machine at the Ashdown, Arkansas mill to a fluff pulp line. Fluff pulp is used in absorbent applications such as baby diapers, feminine hygiene and adult incontinence…

Domtar has announced a $160-million capital project to convert a paper machine at the Ashdown, Arkansas mill to a fluff pulp line. Fluff pulp is used in absorbent applications such as baby diapers, feminine hygiene and adult incontinence products.

The planned conversion is expected to come online by the third quarter 2016 and will allow for the production of up to 516,000 tonnes of fluff pulp per year once the machine is in full operation. The project will also result in the permanent reduction of 364,000 short tons of annual uncoated freesheet production capacity in the second quarter of 2016.

“The fluff pulp conversion project at the Ashdown mill is an important step in advancing our strategy to generate $300 to $500 million of EBITDA from growth businesses,” said John D. Williams, CEO. “Once completed, Ashdown, together with our Plymouth mill will provide a platform to further strengthen our leading position as an effective producer of high quality fluff pulp with nearly one million tonnes of total production capacity.”

Commenting on the reduction of papermaking capacity, Williams added, “The conversion of the paper machine in 2016 will further help balance our supply with our customers’ demand. In the interim, the flexibility of the two remaining paper machines at the Ashdown mill allows us to take measured steps to adjust our paper production while selling papergrade pulp.”

The conversion work is expected to begin during the second quarter of 2016 and the fluff pulp line is scheduled to start-up by the third quarter 2016.

The cost of conversion will be approximately $160 million, of which $40 million is expected to be invested in 2015 and $120 million in 2016. The company will also invest in a pulp bale line that will provide flexibility to manufacture papergrade softwood pulp, contingent on market conditions.

Domtar manufactures, markets and distributes a wide variety of fiber-based products including communication papers, specialty and packaging papers and absorbent hygiene products.