<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF SCHWEITZER-MAUDUIT FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999,
AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000

                           
<PERIOD-TYPE>                 YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1999
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1999
<CASH>                                          15,100
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   72,100
<ALLOWANCES>                                     1,900
<INVENTORY>                                     62,900
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               159,200
<PP&E>                                         451,900
<DEPRECIATION>                                 199,800
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 436,600
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          107,400
<BONDS>                                        100,900
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                         1,600
<OTHER-SE>                                     182,600
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   436,600
<SALES>                                        504,400
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               504,400
<CGS>                                          394,000
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  394,000
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                45,800
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                   700
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               5,800
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 60,700
<INCOME-TAX>                                    23,700
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             31,400
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    31,400
<EPS-BASIC>                                       1.99
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     1.99