Apr 20, 2009. /Lesprom Network/. Schweitzer-Mauduit International Inc. expects 1Q earnings in the range of $0.80 - $0.90 per share, as the company informed Lesprom Network. The expected earnings reflect the benefits of strategic actions undertaken during the last three years to restructure its business as well as higher average selling prices, improved mill operations, favorable inflation and currency impacts. The company also said it would increase the guidance for earnings per share excluding restructuring expenses full year 2009. On April 17, employees at Schweitzer-Mauduit's French finished tipping paper facility, Papeteries de Malaucene SAS, located in Provence, were notified of the initiation of consultations with the unions and the Work's Council with a goal to divest the site through closure of the facility. As a result, employment is expected to be reduced by approximately 210 people with the possibility of subsequently selling the mill assets, partially reducing the social and financial impacts of shutting down the mill. Meetings with the unions and the Work's Council must be completed before the amount of the restructuring expenses, timing and ongoing benefits of the targeted changes can be definitively known. However, restructuring expenses associated with this action are expected to total approximately $22 million, including anticipated cash severance payments of $20 million and non-cash charges of $2 million, to be recorded beginning in the 2Q 2009 through the planned completion of the actions in the 4Q 2009. Financing of the approximate $20 million in projected cash restructuring expenses, which are expected to be paid by the end of 2010, can be fully secured through internally generated funds and Schweitzer-Mauduit's existing bank credit facilities. The Company recorded a $13.4 million fixed asset impairment charge related to the Malaucene facility in the 4Q 2008, which represented the majority of the related fixed asset values. Operating losses for the Malaucene facility will likely increase from current levels given the anticipated loss of customer orders during the divestiture process. Incremental operating losses could negatively impact Schweitzer-Mauduit's earnings by approximately $0.30 per share during the remainder of 2009. The absence of losses from the Malaucene facility is expected to benefit Schweitzer-Mauduit's earnings in 2010 by over $0.30 per share. Schweitzer-Mauduit International, Inc. is a diversified producer of premium specialty papers and the world's largest supplier of fine papers to the tobacco industry. It also manufactures specialty papers for other applications.