Ribbon-cutting held for Franklin mill

FRANKLIN, Va. (WAVY) - A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Friday, making the opening of Franklin's fluff pulp mill official.

The plant was shut down for two years, and repurposed to suit International Paper company's needs.

"You don't see anybody with a long face anymore," Dallas Jones with the Southampton County Board of Supervisors said. "Everybody is smiling because jobs are coming back to Franklin and Southampton County."

The plant will bring about 200 jobs at the refurbished facility alone and when it runs at full capacity, it is estimated to bring up to $250 million in annual revenues.

"It's a step forward for a town that has been through a lot," International Paper Chairman and CEO John Faraci said. "It's a reminder that U.S. manufacturing can and always will play a leading role in the global economy."

All of the fluff pulp that is being manufactured in Franklin will be shipped overseas. It will be used in baby diapers, personal hygiene products, and wipes. The new mill will be producing around 300,000 tons of the fluff annually.

"You've got such highly-skilled and trained workforce here in the region," Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell said."You got great support from the local from the local community. You've got the great port of Virginia just down the road. All of those were contributing factors to making the decision to repurpose this plant for fluff pulp."