The Franklin mill was originally closed in the spring of 2010, resulting in the loss of more than  1,000 jobs. International Paper's mill communications manager Donna Wadsworth told PrintWeek, "When we announced the closure, we stated it would no longer be making uncoated free-sheet or white paper. Nothing has changed regarding that statement. One of the paper machines that was operating there will be converted to produce mold fluff pulp."

International Paper said it would be spending US$83m to convert the mill and creating several hundred new jobs. As for the possibility paper production could eventually return to Franklin, Wadsworth said, "The decision to originally close the Franklin mill was predicated on a declining market for uncoated free-sheet white paper and we didn't see that demand coming back after the recession."

Wadsworth said fluff pulp, which is also used in feminine hygiene and adult incontinence products, has become a global growth industry, with demand up 4% in recent years. She added the US Southern Pine tree, which is ideal for fluff pulp, is prevalent in the region surrounding Franklin, making it a good spot for production.