Workers needed for fluff pulp mill

FRANKLIN, Va. (AP/WAVY) - International Paper is seeking more workers for a fluff pulp mill that it plans to open in Franklin next summer.

Media outlets report that the company wants to fill several positions, including maintenance technicians, drivers and bulldozer operators.

Twenty-four workers were hired in October. The company expects to employ more than 200 workers when the plant opens in June 2012.

International Paper spokesperson Donna Wadsworth said the pay scale is from $13.53/hour to $27.05/hour.

International Paper closed its paper mill in Franklin last year. The company announced in May that it planned to spend $83 million to convert part of the mill to produce fluff pulp.

Fluff pulp is used in diapers and other absorbent materials.