A pulp mill is a facility that processes timber products in pulp for paper making. Companies that manufacture paper may own or lease pulp mills to supply their needs for raw material. These facilities vary in size and use a number of different processes in their pulp production. Staffing sizes can vary, but typically include people like paper engineers, chemists, and technicians to run and maintain the equipment. Employment prospects can depend on the market for paper products.
Pulp mills can use chemical and physical processes to turn raw materials into pulp suitable for paper. These processes break up the material into cellulose, and grind fibers to a uniform size for various types of projects. The facility may also bleach its raw pulp to make white and pale papers, and can add dyes to create colored paper products. Custom runs for specific projects are available; at facilities that supply pulp for the paper used to print money, for instance, the manufacturing process is very precise for consistency and security reasons.