<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF SCHWEITZER-MAUDUIT FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
2000, AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-2000
<PERIOD-END> JUN-30-2000
<CASH> 9,900
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 77,700
<ALLOWANCES> 0
<INVENTORY> 63,000
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 162,300
<PP&E> 445,900
<DEPRECIATION> 204,500
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 424,600
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 101,800
<BONDS> 98,800
0
0
<COMMON> 1,600
<OTHER-SE> 180,600
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 424,600
<SALES> 239,700
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 239,700
<CGS> 195,800
<TOTAL-COSTS> 195,800
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 21,400
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 3,100
<INCOME-PRETAX> 21,500
<INCOME-TAX> 6,400
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 13,200
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 13,200
<EPS-BASIC> .85
<EPS-DILUTED> .85
</TABLE>