<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF SCHWEITZER-MAUDUIT FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31,
2000, AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000

                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-2000
<PERIOD-END>                               MAR-31-2000
<CASH>                                           9,300
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   69,900
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                     64,200
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               154,300
<PP&E>                                         443,700
<DEPRECIATION>                                 200,100
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 420,200
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           95,100
<BONDS>                                         98,000
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                         1,600
<OTHER-SE>                                     180,400
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   420,200
<SALES>                                        118,000
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               118,000
<CGS>                                           96,000
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                   96,000
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                10,600
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               1,500
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 11,500
<INCOME-TAX>                                     3,900
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                              6,800
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                     6,800
<EPS-BASIC>                                        .44
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .44