Situated 50km south of the port of Durban in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, the mill is one of the production facilities for Sappi Specialised Cellulose.
The mill has the capacity to produce approximately 800,000 tons of elemental chlorine free (ECF) dissolving wood pulp (DWP) per annum, mostly for the export market.
Dissolving wood pulp (DWP) is sold to converters to manufacture a wide range of consumer products, but in particular for viscose staple fibre (VSF) used in clothing and textiles.
We are the world’s largest manufacturer of dissolving wood pulp from our two mills in Southern Africa (Saiccor and Ngodwana Mills) and in North America (Cloquet Mill) and we export almost all of our production but with some volumes also sold to customers in our home markets.
Unlike many synthetic raw materials, the product supplied by Sappi Specialised Cellulose is produced from a natural and renewable resource. The timber consumption of Saiccor Mill and Ngodwana Mills is comprised primarily of Eucalyptus hardwoods. These fast-growing trees are grown in relatively close proximity to the mills, which contribute to the business’ position as a competitive producer of dissolving wood pulp.
Careers at Sappi
We work hard to attract, retain and develop people who are committed to delivering excellent work and being the best they can possibly be.
Our company is progressive, ambitious and ever-changing and we want dynamic people who are excited by the opportunities and challenges our industry presents to join us. If you've got the drive, we'll support your career and personal development with training, plus a range of benefits too.
Find your ideal job
Sappi has many careers that become available. Please use our portal to either apply or register your interest. (Find link in blue block to the right.)
The mill plays a positive role in the surrounding community by supporting a wide range of social upliftment programmes:
Education
Saiccor Mill supports the Umkomaas branch of the Programme for Technological Careers (PROTEC) that works with local schools and encourages underprivileged pupils to study science, mathematics and technology to help pave the way for career opportunities in engineering and other technically-oriented sectors in the region. The mill also has a long-standing schools assistance program to support local schools with educational requirements.
HIV/AIDS risk management programme
Our policy is focussed on education, training and awareness programmes with regards to the promotion of acceptance and transparency around the disease in the workplace. This is coupled with reasonable and appropriate support for infected and affected employees.
Community outreach
The mill supports registered non-profit organisations that have programmes in place aimed at building, nurturing and supporting our surrounding communities. A number of environmental awareness programmes such as Arbor Week and the Coastal Clean-up are supported and aimed at educating both our employees and surrounding communities. Saiccor Mill has also supported a variety of conservation projects in the area over the years, such as the Empisini, TC Robertson and Vernon Crookes Nature Reserves.
Located on the banks of the St Louis River since 1898, our Cloquet Mill, in addition to dissolving wood pulp (DWP), also produces some of our most requested printing papers.
Ngodwana Mill produces pulp for own and for market consumption, as well as newsprint, containerboard and dissolving wood pulp (DWP).
Stanger Mill produces pulp for own consumption, as well as coated woodfree paper and tissue wadding.
Tugela Mill produces pulp for own consumption, as well as containerboard and lignosulphonate.
Lomati Sawmill, established in 1971, is a manufacturing plant that produces kiln dried Southern African pine lumber from sawlogs supplied by Sappi Forests.