Company Overview

Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. (RYAM) is a U.S.-based specialty materials company focused on the production of high-value cellulose-based products. The company operates primarily within the specialty chemicals, forest products, and advanced materials industries, supplying inputs used in consumer, industrial, and infrastructure applications. RYAM’s core business centers on converting wood pulp into high-purity cellulose and paperboard products that serve regulated, performance-sensitive end markets.

RYAM’s primary revenue drivers include High Purity Cellulose, Paperboard, and High-Yield Pulp products sold to customers in pharmaceuticals, food, consumer packaging, construction, and industrial manufacturing. The company is positioned as one of the world’s leading producers of cellulose specialties, benefiting from long-term customer relationships, high switching costs, and technical expertise. RYAM was formed in 2014 through the separation of Rayonier Inc.’s performance fibers business into an independent, publicly traded company, subsequently expanding its portfolio through acquisitions and internal process optimization.

Business Operations

RYAM operates through three principal business segments: High Purity Cellulose, Paperboard, and High-Yield Pulp. The High Purity Cellulose segment produces cellulose specialties used in pharmaceutical excipients, food additives, cosmetics, and acetate tow for filtration and textiles, representing the company’s highest-margin business. The Paperboard segment manufactures paperboard used primarily in packaging and food service applications, while High-Yield Pulp supplies absorbent and industrial-grade pulp products.

The company owns and operates multiple large-scale manufacturing facilities and controls proprietary processing technologies related to cellulose chemistry and wood fiber conversion. Operations span domestic and international markets, supported by vertically integrated sourcing of timber and long-lived production assets. RYAM also maintains commercial partnerships with global manufacturers in regulated industries where product consistency and certification are critical.

Strategic Position & Investments

RYAM’s strategic direction emphasizes improving the profitability and stability of its core cellulose specialties business while optimizing or divesting lower-return assets. Growth initiatives include operational efficiency programs, selective capital investments to expand capacity in high-demand specialty grades, and product innovation tailored to pharmaceutical and food customers. The company has also pursued portfolio simplification to reduce cyclicality and exposure to commoditized markets.

Notable strategic actions in recent years include the acquisition of Tembec Inc., which expanded RYAM’s production footprint and product offerings, and ongoing investments in process technology upgrades across its mill network. The company is also engaged in sustainability-focused initiatives, including emissions reduction, energy efficiency, and responsible forestry practices, which are increasingly important to customers and regulators.

Geographic Footprint

RYAM is headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, and operates manufacturing facilities across North America and Europe. Its largest operational presence is in the United States, with additional significant facilities in Canada and France, enabling the company to serve global customers efficiently. These regions collectively support production, research, and commercial distribution.

The company sells products worldwide, with customers across Europe, Asia, and Latin America, reflecting its role as a global supplier of specialty cellulose materials. RYAM’s international footprint provides geographic diversification and access to end markets with stringent quality and regulatory requirements.

Leadership & Governance

RYAM is led by an executive team with experience in specialty chemicals, forest products, and industrial manufacturing. The leadership team emphasizes operational discipline, capital allocation, and long-term value creation through focus on core specialty businesses and sustainability-aligned growth.

Key executives include:

• De Lyle Bloomquist – President & Chief Executive Officer
• Tracy J. Wickenheiser – Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
• Kevin B. Phillips – Senior Vice President, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary

The company operates under a traditional public-company governance structure with an independent board of directors overseeing strategy, risk management, and executive compensation.