Rayonier Advanced Materials

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Rayonier Advanced Materials, now known as RYAM, is an American chemical company that specializes in high-purity cellulose-based products. It was created in 2014 when Rayonier, Inc. split into two separate companies. RYAM focuses on performance fibers and cellulose specialties, while Rayonier continues as a real estate and timber company. RYAM is headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, and operates manufacturing sites in the United States, Canada, and France. It trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol RYAM.

What it makes
RYAM develops natural polymers and cellulose-based products used in filters, food, Pharmaceuticals, and other industrial applications. It also supplies materials for the paper and packaging industries. Products include acetate, cellulose ethers, viscose, soap, and turpentine.

Financials and people
Before the split in 2014, Rayonier Advanced Materials reported about $1.7 billion in revenue (2013) and about $374 million in net income (2013). The company has around 2,500 employees.

A short history
- The roots go back to 1926 with Rainier Pulp and Paper in San Francisco.
- The company built mills in the Pacific Northwest and became Rayonier in 1937.
- ITT bought Rayonier in 1968, and the company became ITT Rayonier, later moving headquarters to Stamford, Connecticut.
- It was spun off as Rayonier again in 1994, then moved its offices to Jacksonville in 1999 and became a REIT in 2004.
- In 2013–2014, Rayonier sold its wood products business and then split into two companies: Rayonier Advanced Materials (the performance fibers business) and Rayonier, Inc. (forest resources and real estate).

Current status
Today, RYAM operates as a standalone company focused on cellulose-based specialties and related products, serving customers around the world.