<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS OF SCHWEITZER-MAUDIT FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<CASH>                                          30,900
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   65,100
<ALLOWANCES>                                       400
<INVENTORY>                                     49,200
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               150,600
<PP&E>                                         361,000
<DEPRECIATION>                                 166,800
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 380,600
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          101,800
<BONDS>                                         86,600
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                         1,600
<OTHER-SE>                                     154,400
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   380,600
<SALES>                                        471,300
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               471,300
<CGS>                                          357,100
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  357,100
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                40,200
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                   100
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               5,300
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 69,900
<INCOME-TAX>                                    26,000
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             38,700
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    38,700
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     2.41
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     2.41