<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF SCHWEITZER-MAUDUIT FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 
1997, AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL 
STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1997
<CASH>                                          37,200
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   57,000
<ALLOWANCES>                                       400
<INVENTORY>                                     56,300
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               157,600
<PP&E>                                         370,000
<DEPRECIATION>                                 168,900
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 391,000
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           90,500
<BONDS>                                         80,800
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                         1,600
<OTHER-SE>                                     177,900
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   391,000
<SALES>                                        460,600
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               460,600
<CGS>                                          338,700
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  338,700
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                40,000
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                   200
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               4,100
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 79,400
<INCOME-TAX>                                    28,600
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             45,300
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    45,300
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     2.82
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     2.77