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For the transition period from ________________to_________________

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (732) 542-7300

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No-------

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. [ ]

Aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant, computed on the basis of $19.44 per share (the closing price of such stock on March 15, 2000 on the New York Stock Exchange): $599,555,475.

The number of shares of the registrant's Class A Common Stock, $.001 par value, and Class B Common Stock, $.001 par value, outstanding as of March 15, 2000 was 31,474,357 and -0-, respectively.

1. Proxy Statement for the 2000 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or before April 30, 2000) is incorporated by reference in Part III hereof.

Wellman, Inc. (which, together with its subsidiaries, is herein referred to as the "Company") is principally engaged in the manufacture and sale of polyester products, including Fortrel® brand polyester textile fibers, polyester fibers made from recycled raw materials and PermaClear® PET (polyethylene terephthalate) packaging resins.

The Company is nearing completion of its new, state-of-the-art Pearl River facility in Mississippi with an overall capacity of 700 million pounds and has incurred costs of approximately $500.0 million, including construction costs, capitalized interest, and certain grants. The Company commenced operation of two 235 million pound PET resin production lines at this facility in the first and second quarters of 1999, respectively. The Pearl River facility currently has annual capacity of approximately 470 million pounds of PET packaging resins. The Company expects to benefit from sales from the third and final line, a polyester fiber production line, that will have an initial capacity of approximately 230 million pounds, in the second quarter of 2000. Sales are expected to increase 50 to 60 million pounds in 2000 as a result of this additional capacity. See "Capital Investment Program" below and Item 7. "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."

During 1999, the Company recorded a restructuring charge of $17.4 million ($11.9 million after tax), or $0.38 per diluted share. In the second quarter of 1999, the Company approved an overall cost reduction and productivity improvement plan, expected to improve long-term profitability and stockholder returns. Cost reductions pursuant to this restructuring plan derived in the last half of 1999 are estimated to be approximately $4.0 to $6.0 million. See Item 7. "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Restructuring Charges" and note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

In August 1999, the Company experienced production outages in its PET resin production process, primarily resulting from an electrical failure. Also, in September 1999 the Company experienced reduced levels of production at facilities in the Carolinas due to a hurricane. Additional costs associated with these events increased the pretax loss for 1999 by approximately $8.8 million ($6.1 million after tax), or $0.19 per diluted share. See Item 7. "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Production Outages" and note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Anti-dumping duties have been imposed on polyester staple imported into the United States and Europe. In the United States, certain polyester producers petitioned the Department of Commerce to assess duties on imports of polyester fiberfill staple from Taiwan and Korea. In March 2000, a final duty, subject to appeal, was imposed on imported products from Korea (ranging from 0% to 14.0%) and Taiwan (ranging from 0% to 9.51%). This is subject to the International Trade Commission issuing a final ruling that imported polyester fiberfill staple injured the U.S. producers.

In January 2000 anti-dumping duties ranging from 5.0% to 36.5% were imposed in Europe on all polyester staple products imported into Europe from the countries of Australia, Indonesia and Thailand. The anti-dumping duty imposed on Taiwan prior to January 2000, which ranges from 7.6% to 13.7%, continues in effect. Additionally, European anti-dumping investigations continue on imports of polyester staple from the countries of Korea and India. Action is expected by mid-2000 on an anti-dumping petition filed by European PET resin manufacturers against manufacturers in five Asian countries.

Prior to 2000, the Company had three reportable operating segments: the Fibers Group, composed of the chemical-based polyester textile fiber manufacturing operations; the Recycled Products Group (RPG), primarily consisting of polyester fiber manufacturing operations in the United States and Europe and their related recycling operations, which procure and process recyclable raw materials, as well as the nylon engineering resins business; and the Packaging Products Group (PPG), which includes the PET packaging resins businesses in the United States and Europe.

The following table presents the combined net sales and percentage of net sales of the Company for its reportable operating segments for the years indicated. In the table, intersegment sales, which are not material, have been eliminated and historical exchange rates have been applied to the data.

Generally, the Company evaluates segment profit on the basis of operating profit less certain charges for research and development costs, administrative costs, and amortization expense. The accounting policies of the reportable operating segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies in note 1 of the Consolidated Financial Statements. The following table presents the combined operating profit (loss) and percentage of operating profit (loss) of the Company for its reportable operating segments for the years indicated. In the table, intersegment transactions have been eliminated and historical exchange rates have been applied to the data.

See note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for reconciliations to corresponding totals in the Consolidated Financial Statements and additional information with regard to the Company's reportable operating segments.

Beginning in the first quarter of 2000, the Company reduced its reportable operating segments to two: the Fibers and Recycled Products Group and the PPG. In an effort to streamline its costs and integrate its fiber operations, the Company has changed its organizational structure so that both the chemical and recycled-based fiber operations report to one individual. The financial information of the Company is now being reported to the chief operating decision maker under these two segments. The Company will begin reporting operations under these two segments on its Form 10-Q for the quarter ending March 31, 2000.

The Fibers Group manufactures chemical-based polyester staple fibers and polyester partially-oriented yarn (POY) for sale to the textile industry. Staple, the primary product produced, is multi-strand fiber cut into short lengths to simulate certain properties found in natural fibers, such as cotton and wool, and/or to meet the end product needs of the Company's customers. POY is a continuous polyester filament. Both products are marketed under the Fortrel® brand.

Staple customers include integrated textile mills and yarn spinners which process polyester staple into yarn and fabric for a variety of applications, including apparel, home furnishings and industrial uses. The Company manufactures polyester textile staple from two petrochemicals, purified terephthalic acid (PTA) and monoethylene glycol (MEG), at its Palmetto Plant in Darlington, SC.

POY is produced at the Company's Fayetteville, NC plant from fiber-grade polyester resin manufactured from PTA and MEG at the Company's Palmetto Plant. POY is sold to integrated textile mills and texturizers, which further process it before making it into fabric for use in apparel, home furnishings and industrial applications.

The major product manufactured by the RPG is polyester staple fiber for use as fiberfill (for pillows, comforters and furniture), and in carpets, rugs and industrial uses. Domestically, these products are made from recycled raw materials at facilities in Johnsonville and Marion, SC (together referred to as the Johnsonville Plant).

The Company utilizes two categories of recycled raw materials: postindustrial materials and postconsumer PET bottles. Postindustrial materials include off-quality or off-spec production, trim and other materials generated from fiber, resin or film manufacturing processes, a portion of which is purchased from manufacturers that compete with the Company in the sale of fiber and resin. The Company obtains its domestic postconsumer PET bottles primarily as a result of curbside recycling and deposit return programs.

The Company's recycling operation at the Johnsonville Plant is responsible for the domestic procurement of these materials, which it processes into usable raw materials for the fiber and engineering resins businesses. As a result, this operation is primarily an internal supplier. The raw material mix for the Johnsonville Plant is approximately 50% postconsumer PET bottle flake and 50% postindustrial material.

In Europe, the RPG manufactures polyester staple fiber from recycled raw materials through Wellman International Limited (WIL), a wholly-owned subsidiary based in Mullagh, Republic of Ireland. WIL's polyester fibers are used primarily in fiberfill, nonwovens and industrial applications. WIL exports virtually all of its fiber production, primarily to the United Kingdom and continental Europe.

Raw materials used by WIL are postindustrial materials, some of which are obtained from suppliers who compete with WIL in the fiber business in Europe, and postconsumer PET bottles from collection programs in Europe. The postconsumer PET bottles are obtained from WIL's recycling facilities in Spijk, the Netherlands and Verdun, France and from third-party purchases. WIL's raw material mix is approximately 50% postindustrial material and 50% postconsumer PET bottle flake.

Including domestic and European production, the Company believes it is the world's largest producer of polyester staple fiber made from recycled feedstocks and the world's largest postconsumer PET bottle recycler.

The Company's Engineering Resins Division, located in Johnsonville, SC, manufactures and markets nylon engineering resins under the Wellamid ™ brand to the injection molding industry. These resins are produced using virgin, postindustrial and postconsumer nylon compounded with various additives (glass, minerals, fire retardant, etc.) to impart desired performance characteristics. These resins are used primarily in automotive and electrical applications.

The RPG also produces anhydrous lanolin in Johnsonville, SC for use in a variety of consumer products, primarily cosmetics.

The PPG manufactures solid-stated and amorphous PET packaging resins domestically at the Company's Palmetto Plant in South Carolina and its Pearl River facility in Mississippi and internationally at its Emmen facility in the Netherlands (PET Resins-Europe). Solid-stated PET resin is primarily used in the manufacture of soft drink bottles and other food and beverage packaging and is sold under the PermaClear® brand. Amorphous resin, which is produced from PTA and MEG, is used internally for solid-stating (a process which upgrades and purifies the resin) and, to a lesser extent, is sold to external customers.

The Company domestically obtains PTA produced by BPAmoco Chemical, the primary domestic supplier, pursuant to long-term supply contracts. Domestic MEG is purchased under supply contracts with Equistar Chemicals, LP, BASF Corporation, and Union Carbide, Inc. PTA in Europe is purchased from BPAmoco Chemical, and MEG is purchased from Akzo Nobel. The prices of PTA and MEG have fluctuated in the past and are likely to continue to do so in the future. See Item 7. "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - General."

The Company's recycling operations purchase postindustrial and postconsumer raw materials from many different suppliers, some of which have signed long-term supply contracts with the Company. The prices of recycled raw materials are variable and determined by worldwide supply and demand.

See "Forward Looking Statements; Risks and Uncertainties."

Capital expenditures in 1999 were approximately $89.5 million. The 1999 expenditures consisted primarily of construction costs associated with the Pearl River facility in Mississippi, which commenced operation of two of three production lines in the first and second quarters of 1999.

With the Company nearing completion of the Pearl River facility, capital expenditures for 2000 are expected to be reduced to below $40 million. See Item 7. "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Liquidity and Capital Resources."

See "Forward Looking Statements; Risks and Uncertainties."

The Company's markets have historically displayed price and volume cyclicality. The Company's sales are not dependent upon a single customer. Sales for PET resins, primarily for soft drink bottles and other beverages, may be influenced by weather.

Approximately 65 employees market the majority of the Company's products. For certain fiber sales outside the United States, the Company also utilizes representatives or agents.

The Company's polyester fibers are also promoted through various activities, such as advertising, sales promotion, market analysis and product development, directed to its customers and to organizations downstream from its customers. As part of this effort, the Company's marketing personnel encourage downstream purchasers of apparel, home furnishings and other products to specify to their suppliers the use of Fortrel® brand polyester in their products.

The polyester fiber markets are subject to changes in, among other factors, polyester fiber and/or textile product imports, consumer preferences and spending and retail sales patterns, which are driven by general economic conditions. Consequently, a downturn in either the U.S., European, or global economy or an increase in imports of textile or polyester fiber products could adversely affect the Company's business. Polyester textile fiber demand also may be influenced by the relative price of substitute fibers, most notably cotton. See Item 7. "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - General."

Major factors affecting the PET resins market include producer supply and capacity utilization rates and demand for PET containers, primarily for soft drinks and other beverages. Worldwide PET resins supply has undergone significant expansion. Demand for PET resins is also driven by new product applications and conversion from other materials, such as aluminum, glass and paper.

Each of the Company's major markets is highly competitive. The Company competes in these markets primarily on the basis of product quality, customer service, brand identity and price. Several competitors are substantially larger than the Company and have substantially greater economic resources.

The Company's primary domestic polyester fiber competitors are DuPont-Akra Polyester, KoSa, and Nan Ya Plastics Corp. (Nan Ya). The Company believes it is currently the largest producer of polyester staple in the United States, has approximately 27% of U.S. production capacity, and is the fourth-largest POY producer in the United States, and has approximately 10% of the U.S. production capacity. The Company's main European fiber competitors are MonteFibre, Trevira and DuPontSA. In Europe, the Company has a leading position as a supplier for fiberfill and nonwoven applications. Its share of the total European polyester staple market is less than 15%.

Primary competitors in the PET packaging resins business are Eastman Chemical Co., KoSa, M&G (which is in the process of purchasing Shell Chemical Co.'s assets), and Nan Ya. The Company believes it is currently the third-largest producer of PET resins in North America, representing approximately 14% of U.S. production capacity. In Europe, the Company's main competitors in the PET resins business are Eastman Chemical Co., KoSa, DuPontSA, M&G, and Dow. The Company's share of the European PET resins market is less than 5%.

The Company has approximately 75 employees devoted to research, development and technical service activities in the fiber, recycling and resins businesses. The Company has entered into technology sharing arrangements from time to time with various parties. Research and development costs were approximately $15.5 million, $16.2 million and $19.6 million for 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively.

The Company operates in international markets. Since most of the sales are in different currencies, changes in exchange rates may affect profit margins and sales levels of these operations. In addition, fluctuations between currencies may also affect the Company's reported financial results. Foreign exchange contracts and borrowings in local currencies are utilized by the Company to manage its foreign currency exposure. See Item 7A. "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk" and note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

The Company's foreign businesses are subject to certain risks customarily attendant to foreign operations and investments in foreign countries, including restrictive action by local governments, limitations on repatriating funds and changes in currency exchange rates. See note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information relating to the Company's foreign activities.

For a discussion of the impact of the Euro on the Company's operations, see Item 7. "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Transition to the Euro."

As of December 31, 1999, the Company employed a total of approximately 2,700 people in the United States and Europe. At December 31, 1999, the Union of Needle Trades, Industrial and Textile Employees (UNITE) represented 755 employees at the Company's Johnsonville, SC operations. Approximately 440 of these employees were members of UNITE, whose contract with the Company expires on July 31, 2002. At WIL, four unions represented 269 of the 461 total employees at year-end 1999. The wage agreements with these unions expire on July 31, 2000. Employees at the PET Resins-Europe operation total 75, with 48 represented by two unions whose contracts expire on May 1, 2001. The Company believes that relations with its employees are satisfactory.

The Company's plants are subject to numerous existing and proposed laws and regulations designed to protect the environment from wastes, emissions and hazardous substances. The Company believes it is either in material compliance with all currently applicable regulations or is operating in accordance with the appropriate variances and compliance schedules or similar arrangements. For additional information relating to environmental matters, see Item 7. "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Position and Results of Operations - Environmental Matters" and note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

The current executive officers of the Company are as follows:

Officers are elected annually by the Board of Directors. Set forth below is certain information with respect to the Company's executive officers.

Thomas M. Duff. Mr. Duff was elected Chairman in December 1999. Prior to December 1999, he was President and has been CEO of the Company since its inception in 1985.

Clifford J. Christenson. Mr. Christenson was elected President in December 1999. Prior to this, he was Chief Operating Officer since June 1995.

Keith R. Phillips. Mr. Phillips has been Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer since October 1993. Mr. Phillips is a certified public accountant.

Michael E. Dewsbury. Mr. Dewsbury has been Vice President, PET Resins Division - U.S. since April 1999. Prior to that he was Business Manager - PET Resins Division since joining the Company in September 1991.

John R. Hobson. Mr. Hobson has been Vice President, Fibers and Recycled Products Group since May 1999. Prior to May 1999, he was Vice President, Recycled Products Group since July 1995. Prior to such time, he served as Vice President of various divisions from January 1992 to July 1995.

Mark J. Rosenblum. Mr. Rosenblum has been Vice President, Controller since September 1989, Chief Accounting Officer since August 1996. Mr. Rosenblum is a certified public accountant.

Ernest G. Taylor. Mr. Taylor has been Vice President, Administration since January 1991. In November 1997 he became Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer.

Joseph C. Tucker. Dr. Tucker has been Vice President, Corporate Development since December 1997. Prior to such time, he served as Vice President and General Manager of PET Resins-Europe from 1995 to 1997 and Vice President of Manufacturing and Technology from 1993 to 1995.

The location, principal products produced and stated annual production capacity of the major manufacturing properties owned by the Company are set forth in the table below:

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Not applicable.

Not applicable.

The Company's common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the symbol WLM. The following table shows the high, low and closing sales prices as reported by the NYSE and cash dividends paid per share of common stock for the last two fiscal years.

The Company had 1,047 holders of record and, to its knowledge, approximately 11,600 beneficial owners of its common stock as of March 15, 2000.

See note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for information regarding common stock rights associated with the common stock.

The Company is principally engaged in the manufacture and marketing of high-quality polyester products, including Fortrel® brand polyester textile fibers, polyester fibers made from recycled raw materials and PermaClear® brand PET packaging resins. In 1999, the Company had annual capacity to manufacture approximately 1.1 billion pounds of fiber and 1.1 billion pounds of resins worldwide at six major production facilities in the United States and Europe. See "Recent Developments" above and "Outlook" below. The Company is also the world's largest PET plastics recycler, utilizing a significant amount of recycled raw materials in its manufacturing operations.

The Fibers Group produces Fortrel® textile fibers, which currently represent approximately 60% of the Company's fiber production. These fibers are used in apparel and home furnishings and are produced from two chemical raw materials, PTA and MEG. The other 40% of fiber production, primarily fiberfill and carpet fibers, is manufactured by the RPG from recycled raw materials, including postindustrial fiber, resin and film materials and postconsumer PET bottles. The Company's PET resins, produced by the PPG from PTA and MEG, are primarily used in the manufacture of clear plastic soft drink bottles and other food and beverage packaging.

The Company's markets are highly competitive. It competes in these markets primarily on the basis of product quality, customer service, brand identity and price. It believes it is currently the largest polyester staple producer in the United States and the third-largest PET resins producer in North America. Several of the Company's competitors are substantially larger than the Company and have substantially greater economic resources.

Demand for polyester fiber historically has been cyclical, as it is subject to changes in consumer preferences and spending, retail sales patterns, and fiber or textile product imports. Since late 1997, the Far East has been experiencing a significant economic and financial crisis. This crisis has led to higher imports of polyester fiber, fabric and apparel, resulting in fiber price pressure in the United States and Europe, which has adversely affected profitability. Global PET resins demand continues to grow, driven by new product applications for PET and conversions from other packaging materials to PET. Sales for PET resins, primarily for soft drink bottles and other beverages, may be influenced by weather.

The Company's profitability is primarily determined by its raw material margins (the difference between selling prices and raw material costs). Both fiber and resin raw material margins experience increases or decreases primarily based on selling price and raw material cost changes, which stem from supply and demand factors and competitive conditions. Given the Company's substantial unit volumes, the impact on profitability of selling price and raw material cost changes are significant.

Supply, demand, prices and raw material costs each may be affected by global economic and market conditions, export activity, and the prices of competing materials.

In an effort to offset in part the effects of lower selling prices and higher raw material costs in both its Fiber and PPG groups and to improve long-term profitability and stockholder returns, the Company approved an overall cost reduction and productivity improvement plan in June 1999. As a result, the Company recorded a pretax restructuring charge in 1999 of $17.4 million ($11.9 million after tax), or $0.38 per diluted share. Pursuant to the plan, the Company closed its New York office and its wool business in Johnsonville, SC during 1999 and began implementing other cost reduction and productivity improvement initiatives throughout the Company. The restructuring, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2000, will be funded from operating cash flows. See note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for details of the accruals and changes in the accruals since the plan was adopted.

The Company's cost reduction and productivity improvement plan adopted in 1999 is expected to generate planned annual pretax savings of approximately $35.0 million, which began to phase in during the third quarter of 1999 and is expected to continue into 2000. See "Outlook" below. The savings associated with the cost reduction portion of the plan, expected to be approximately $25.0 million compared to 1999 budgeted levels, will primarily result from lower costs for services, supplies and wages. The expected savings are net of other continuing costs, such as fixed overhead, that the businesses have to absorb as a result of the restructuring. The productivity improvement portion of the plan is expected to generate earnings of approximately $10.0 million as PET resin market conditions improve. This will be achieved through increased production volumes and lower annual costs by means of throughput and manufacturing improvements and operational efficiencies in production facilities. Cost reductions pursuant to the 1999 restructuring plan derived in the last half of 1999 are estimated to be approximately $4.0 to $6.0 million.

In the fourth quarter of 1998, the Company adopted a restructuring plan to consolidate and lower the overall operating costs of the business units in the RPG. In connection with this plan, the Company closed operations at a leased manufacturing facility in New Jersey and a sales office in England. The Company recorded a pretax charge of approximately $6.9 million ($4.4 million after tax), or $0.14 per diluted share, in its 1998 fourth-quarter earnings. See note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for details of the accruals and changes in the accruals since December 31, 1998.

Benefits derived in 1999 from the 1998 restructuring plan are estimated to be approximately $5.0 million.

During the second quarter of 1997, the Company adopted a restructuring plan designed to reduce costs and enhance the overall competitiveness of its European operations. In connection with this plan, the Company recorded a pretax charge of approximately $7.5 million ($4.4 million after tax), or $0.14 per diluted share, during its second quarter of 1997. The 1997 restructuring was completed during 1999. See "Results of Operations - 1998 Compared to 1997" below for benefits derived from the 1997 restructuring. See note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for details of changes in the accruals since December 31, 1998.

In August 1999, the Company experienced production outages in its PET resin production process primarily resulting from an electrical failure. In addition, the Company's manufacturing facilities in the Carolinas experienced reduced levels of production due to a hurricane in September 1999. The Company estimates the total costs associated with these production outages to approximate $10.9 million, of which $2.1 million was recorded by the Company as an insurance receivable for property damages in the third quarter of 1999. These additional costs increased the pretax loss during 1999 by approximately $8.8 million ($6.1 million after tax), or $0.19 per diluted share. The Company has business interruption insurance that it expects will mitigate a portion of unabsorbed costs and lost profits. Any proceeds from the business interruption claim will result in income in the period the claim is settled. See note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Total net sales for 1999 declined 3.4% to $935.4 million from $968.0 million in 1998. This decrease was primarily the result of reductions in worldwide polyester fiber and PET resins selling prices and the reduced sales as a result of the businesses closed in the 1998 and 1999 restructurings. Net sales for the Fibers Group decreased 16.2% to $297.7 million from $355.4 million in 1998, principally due to a 16.6% decline in the average selling price per pound of polyester fiber. Polyester fiber unit volumes remained essentially unchanged in 1999 compared to 1998. Net sales for the RPG decreased 17.7% to $300.7 million from $365.5 million in 1998, primarily as a result of lower average selling prices and lower unit volumes for recycled polyester fiber, which declined 14.2% and 4.1%, respectively. In addition, the RPG experienced a 17.8% decline in net sales in other divisions as a result of the closure of a leased manufacturing facility in New Jersey and significantly lower sales in the Company's wool business. (See "Restructuring Charges" above.) Net sales for the PPG increased 36.4% to $337.0 million in 1999 from $247.1 million in 1998 due to a 57.4% increase in PET resin unit volumes, reflecting the start-up in the first half of 1999 of two new resin production lines. The higher volumes more than offset a 13.3% decline in the average selling price per pound of PET resin.

Cost of sales increased 0.9% to $845.4 million in 1999 from $837.7 million in 1998. This increase is due primarily to the aforementioned start-up of two PET resin production lines and the production outages. As a percentage of sales, however, cost of sales increased to 90.4% in 1999 from 86.5% in 1998 due to lower worldwide selling prices. For the Fibers Group, cost of sales as a percentage of sales increased 10.7% in 1999 compared to 1998, primarily due to lower polyester fiber selling prices. For the RPG, cost of sales as a percentage of sales decreased 1.0% in 1999 compared to 1998 due to lower worldwide fiber selling prices, offset in part by lower U.S. recycled raw material costs. For the PPG, cost of sales as a percentage of sales increased 0.4% in 1999 compared to 1998, resulting primarily from lower worldwide PET resins selling prices.

As a result of the foregoing, gross profit declined 31.0% to $90.0 million in 1999 from $130.3 million in 1998. The gross profit margin was 9.6% in 1999 compared to 13.5% in 1998. Gross profit is primarily affected by raw material margins. Raw material margins for both fibers and resins dropped to historically low levels during 1999, primarily due to reductions in selling prices occurring over the last few years. The net cost of the Company's chemical raw materials, PTA and MEG, increased during 1999, primarily due to the increase in crude oil prices worldwide. The selling price of chemical-based fiber and PET resin could not be increased sufficiently to cover the raw material increase. Selling prices of recycled fiber declined more than the cost of domestic recycled fibers raw material and resulted in lower raw material margins for the Company's domestic recycled fiber business.

In an effort to offset in part the effects of lower selling prices and higher raw material costs in both its Fiber and PPG groups and to improve long-term profitability and stockholder returns, the Company approved an overall cost reduction and productivity improvement plan in June 1999. As a result, the Company recorded a pretax restructuring charge in 1999 of $17.4 million ($11.9 million after tax), or $0.38 per diluted share. See "Restructuring Charges" above.

Selling, general and administrative expenses were $72.4 million, or 7.7% of sales, in 1999 compared to $73.4 million, or 7.6% of sales, in 1998. This decrease was primarily due to lower spending associated with the Company's closed facilities and its cost reduction and productivity improvement plan, offset in part by discounts taken on accounts receivable sold. See notes 3 and 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

As a result of the foregoing, the Company reported operating income of $0.2 million, or .02% of sales, for 1999, compared to $50.0 million, or 5.2% of sales, in 1998.

Net interest expense was $13.3 million in 1999 compared to $8.3 million in 1998. The increase is primarily due to less capitalized interest in 1999 as the Company commenced operation of two of three production lines at its Pearl River facility in Mississippi. See "Outlook" below for information with respect to the impact on interest expense expected in 2000 from the startup of the Pearl River facility.

In the fourth quarter of 1998, the Company incurred a pretax charge of $23.3 million on the termination of a fixed-rate financial instrument. See "Results of Operations - 1998 Compared to 1997" below.

The Company's effective tax rate for 1999 was 29.1% compared to 36.5% for 1998. The rate has primarily been affected by the Company incurring a loss in 1999 compared to income in 1998 and by the increase in the amount of nondeductible goodwill in 1999 as a result of the write-off of goodwill associated with the closure of the Company's wool business. See notes 7 and 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

As a result of the foregoing, the Company reported a loss before the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle in 1999 of $9.3 million, or $(0.29) per diluted share as compared to net income of $11.7 million, or $0.37 per diluted share in 1998. Excluding the production outages (see "Production Outages" above), the restructuring charge (see "Restructuring Charges" above), and the cumulative effect of accounting change, net earnings were $8.7 million, or $0.28 per diluted share. This compares to $36.3 million, or $1.16 per diluted share, for 1998, after excluding the restructuring charge, the lower-of-cost-or-market inventory adjustment and the loss on the fixed-rate financial instrument.

Effective January 1, 1999, the Company adopted the AICPA's Statement of Position ("SOP") No. 98-5, "Reporting on the Costs of Start-Up Activities," which required the Company to begin expensing all start-up and organization costs as incurred. Start-up and organization costs incurred prior to the adoption of this SOP have been reported as a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle. The effect of the change was to increase the net loss in 1999 by $1.8 million ($2.9 million, less taxes of $1.1 million), or $0.06 per diluted share.

Total net sales for 1998 declined 10.6% to $968.0 million from $1.1 billion in 1997. This decrease was primarily the result of reductions in worldwide polyester fiber selling prices as the crisis in the Far East exerted intense price pressure on worldwide markets, the loss of sales of Creative Forming, Inc. (CFI), which was sold in December 1997, and a reduction in PET resin unit volumes in Europe due to the modification of a take-or-pay supply contract in 1997. Net sales for the Fibers Group decreased 15.3% to $355.4 million in 1998 from $419.4 million in 1997 primarily due to an 8.6% decline in the average selling price per pound of polyester fiber in 1998 compared to 1997. In addition, polyester fiber unit volumes declined 7.3% in 1998 compared to 1997. Net sales for the RPG decreased 5.3% to $365.5 million in 1998 from $386.2 million in 1997, primarily as a result of lower polyester fiber average selling prices, which declined 7.4% in 1998 compared to 1997, which was partially offset by a 1.2% increase in unit volume. In addition, in 1998 the RPG experienced a 2.3% decline in net sales at other divisions. Sales for the PPG decreased 11% to $247.1 million in 1998 from $277.6 million in 1997, primarily due to the divestiture of CFI, which had sales of $23.2 million in 1997, and a 26.6% decrease in net sales in the PET resins business in Europe, stemming from lower unit volumes in 1998 due to the modification of a take-or-pay supply contract in 1997. This decrease offset a 6.1% increase in U.S. PET resin unit volumes in 1998 compared to 1997.

Cost of sales decreased 9.6% to $837.7 million in 1998 from $926.5 million in 1997, primarily due to lower worldwide chemical raw material costs. As a percentage of sales, however, cost of sales increased to 86.5% in 1998 from 85.5% in 1997. In addition, in the fourth quarter of 1998, a pretax lower-of-cost-or-market inventory adjustment totaling $8.6 million ($5.5 million after tax), or $0.17 per diluted share, unfavorably impacted the cost of sales for the Fibers Group and PPG. As a percentage of sales, cost of sales for the Fibers Group increased 3.5% in 1998 from 1997, primarily due to lower fiber selling prices and lower production volumes, which were partially offset by lower chemical costs. Cost of sales as a percentage of sales for the RPG increased 7.1% in 1998 compared to 1997 primarily due to higher U.S. recycled raw material costs and lower worldwide fiber selling prices. The Company experienced lower production costs in its European operations in 1998 compared to 1997 as a result of the aforementioned 1997 restructuring plan. Cost of sales as a percentage of sales for the PPG decreased 9.7% in 1998 from 1997, primarily due to lower chemical raw material costs, which more than offset lower selling prices.

As a result of the foregoing, gross profit declined 16.8% to $130.3 million in 1998 from $156.7 million in 1997. The gross profit margin was 13.5% in 1998 compared to 14.5% in 1997.

Selling, general and administrative expenses amounted to $73.4 million, or 7.6% of sales, in 1998 compared to $79.9 million, or 7.4% of sales, in 1997. The decrease was primarily due to the divestiture of CFI and reduced costs at the Company's European operations as a result of the restructuring plan implemented in the second quarter of 1997.

In the fourth quarter of 1998, the Company adopted a restructuring plan to consolidate and lower the overall operating costs of its recycling business. In connection with this plan, the Company recorded a pretax charge of approximately $6.9 million ($4.4 million after tax), or $0.14 per diluted share, in 1998. See "Restructuring Charges" above.

As a result of the foregoing, operating income declined 27.8% to $50.0 million in 1998 compared to $69.3 million in 1997.

Net interest expense was $8.3 million in 1998 compared to $12.2 million in 1997. The decrease in interest expense is due to higher interest capitalization resulting from the Company's ongoing capital investment program. In addition, the Company incurred a pretax charge of $23.3 million ($14.4 million after tax), or $0.47 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 1998 on the termination of a fixed-rate financial instrument. This instrument was designed to provide a specified fixed 10-year interest rate on a planned issuance of $150.0 million of public fixed-rate debt. During the fourth quarter of 1998, the Company decided more favorable financing was available and postponed its plan for public debt issuance and terminated the financial instrument.

The effective income tax rate was 36.5% for 1998 compared to 40.7% in 1997. The rate decreased primarily as a result of increased earnings at the Company's Irish recycled fiber operation, which is subject to significantly lower tax rates than the U.S. operations, and the reduction in foreign operating losses for which no tax benefit had been provided.

As a result of the foregoing, net earnings were $11.7 million, or $0.37 per diluted share, in 1998 compared to $30.4 million, or $0.97 per diluted share, in 1997. Excluding the inventory adjustment, the restructuring charge and the loss on the fixed-rate financial instrument, net earnings were $36.3 million, or $1.16 per diluted share, in 1998 compared to 1997 earnings of $38.5 million, or $1.23 per diluted share, excluding the restructuring charge, a loss on the sale of a business, and a gain from insurance proceeds.

The following statements are forward-looking statements and should be read in conjunction with "Forward-Looking Statements; Risks and Uncertainties" below.

Demand for PET packaging resin remains relatively strong. The Company believes continued growing demand may improve both selling price and profit margin in 2000. The first of two 235 million-pound resin production lines at the Company's Pearl River Plant commenced production in January 1999 and the second line commenced in May 1999. As a result of these lines being in production an entire year and strong demand for PET resin, unit volumes are expected to increase significantly in 2000. A significant price increase has been announced for March 2000, and additional price increases are expected later in 2000. Recent increases in the price of oil are exerting upward price pressure on petrochemical feedstock. Management expects selling price increases to exceed raw material cost increases in 2000. However, given the competitive nature of the business and other market influences, there can be no assurance that this will occur. Each one cent per pound change in the Company's PET resins margin has approximately a $10.0 million effect on its pretax income.

The U.S. and European fiber markets continue to be severely impacted by the Far Eastern imports of fiber, yarn, fabric and apparel from that region. In the United States, high levels of Asian imports are still present throughout the apparel textile chain. Although excess fiber supply continues to plague the industry, fiber shipments in the United States have shown signs of recovery, and inventories at the domestic fiber producer and fiber customer level are at reasonable levels. As the business climate in Asia improves, imports into the United States and Europe may decline, and ongoing downward price pressure on fibers may abate.

The Company is nearing the completion of construction of its 230 million-pound staple production line at its Pearl River facility. Sales are expected to commence in the second quarter of 2000. This facility was designed to produce low cost, finer denier, higher tenacity staple fiber. After the new staple production line is operating at planned levels, the Company expects to take various staple lines at its other manufacturing facilities out of production for maintenance. After the maintenance is completed, these lines will be returned to production when justified by business conditions. The combined effect of the start-up and maintenance is that the Company's overall fiber production is expected to increase by 50 to 60 million pounds in 2000. The earnings associated with the increased revenue will be reduced by operating costs, including depreciation expense, at the Pearl River facility, fixed costs related to nonproductive staple manufacturing equipment at other manufacturing facilities, and interest expense that was previously capitalized as part of the construction costs of the Pearl River facility.

As a result of the cost reduction program implemented in 1999, the Company expects to achieve certain savings of approximately $20.0 million in the year 2000.

The Company's operations are subject to extensive laws and regulations governing air emissions, wastewater discharges and solid and hazardous waste management activities. The Company takes a proactive approach in addressing the applicability of these laws and regulations as they relate to its manufacturing operations and in proposing and implementing any remedial plans that may be necessary. The Company has identified certain situations that will require future capital and non-capital expenditures to maintain or improve compliance with current environmental laws and regulations as well as to support planned future expansion. The majority of the identified situations are found at the Company's largest manufacturing facilities and primarily deal with groundwater remediation, quality of air emissions and wastewater treatment processes.

The Company's policy is to expense environmental remediation costs when it is both probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated. While it is often difficult to reasonably quantify future env ironmental-related expenditures, the Company currently estimates its future non-capital expenditures related to environmental matters to range between $8.3 million and $29.0 million. In connection with these expenditures, the Company has accrued undiscounted liabilities of approximately $15.0 million and $16.0 million at December 31, 1999 and 1998, respectively, which are reflected as other noncurrent liabilities in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet. These accruals represent management's best estimate of probable non-capital environmental expenditures. In addition, aggregate future capital expenditures related to environmental matters are expected to range from $8.4 million to $21.9 million. These non-capital and capital expenditures are expected to be incurred during the next 10 to 20 years. The Company believes that it is entitled to recover a portion of these expenditures under indemnification and escrow agreements. During 1999, 1998 and 1997, net expenses associated with environmental remediation and ongoing assessment were not significant. See notes 1 and 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

The measurement of liability is based on an evaluation of currently available facts with respect to each individual situation and takes into consideration factors such as existing technology, presently enacted laws and regulations and prior experience in remediation of contaminated sites. As assessments and remediation progress at individual sites, these liabilities are reviewed periodically and adjusted to reflect additional technical and legal information which becomes available.

The Company believes it is either in material compliance with all currently applicable regulations or is operating in accordance with the appropriate variances and compliance schedules or similar arrangements. Subject to the imprecision in estimating future environmental costs, the Company believes that compliance with current laws and regulations will not require significant capital expenditures or have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial position or results of operations. See "Forward Looking Statements; Risks and Uncertainties."

In late 1999, the Company completed its Year 2000 remediation and testing of systems. The Company experienced no significant disruptions in mission critical information technology and non-information technology systems and believes those systems successfully responded to the Year 2000 date change. The Company expensed approximately $2.9 million in connection with remediating its systems to make them Year 2000 compliant. The Company is not aware of any material problems resulting from Year 2000 issues, either with its products, its internal systems, or the products and services it receives from third parties. The Company will continue to monitor its mission critical computer applications and those of its suppliers and vendors throughout the Year 2000 to ensure that any latent Year 2000 matters that may arise are addressed promptly.

Although the Euro was successfully introduced on January 1, 1999, the legacy currencies of those countries participating will continue to be used as legal tender through January 1, 2002. Thereafter, the legacy currencies will be cancelled and Euro bills and coins will be used in the eleven participating countries.

Transition to the Euro creates a number of issues for the Company. Business issues that must be addressed include product pricing policies and ensuring the continuity of business and financial contracts. Finance and accounting issues include the conversion of accounting systems, statutory records, tax books and payroll systems to the Euro, as well as conversion of bank accounts and other treasury and cash management activities.

The Company continues to address these transition issues and does not expect the transition to the Euro to have a significant effect on the results of operations or financial condition of the Company. At WIL, systems are compatible with the Euro and its financial statements are prepared in Euros. The Company expects to have its PET Resins-Europe accounting systems, statutory reporting and tax books compatible with the Euro by April 2001.

The Company's overall cash needs for 1999 were provided from operations, asset securitizations, and long-term borrowings. Net cash provided by operations was $96.5 million for 1999, including approximately $64.0 million from an asset securitization program, compared to $70.7 million for 1998. See notes 3 and 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Net cash provided by investing activities amounted to $61.6 million in 1999 compared to net cash used in investing activities of $223.4 million in 1998. Capital spending amounted to $89.5 million in 1999 and $223.4 million in 1998. During 1999, the Company sold certain production equipment in connection with a sale and leaseback transaction. The proceeds of $150.0 million from the sale were used to pay down debt. See note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. With the Company nearing completion of its Pearl River facility in Mississippi, capital expenditures for 2000 are expected to be reduced to below $40.0 million. The Company intends to use a substantial portion of its excess cash to pay down debt.

Net cash used in financing activities amounted to $158.0 million in 1999 compared to net cash provided by financing activities of $152.6 million in 1998. Net repayments of long-term debt amounted to $147.9 million in 1999 compared to $160.4 million of net borrowings in 1998.

In September 1999, the Company refinanced its $330.0 million unsecured senior revolving credit facility. The Company's new $450.0 million unsecured facility is comprised of a $125.0 million 364-day revolving credit facility (364-Day Facility) and a $325.0 million four-year revolving credit facility (4-Year Facility and together the Facilities). The 4-Year Facility, which matures in September 2003, and the 364-Day Facility have no scheduled principal repayments. The Company's financing agreements contain normal financial and restrictive covenants. Certain subsidiaries have guaranteed substantially all of the Company's indebtedness for borrowed money. See note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

During 1998, the SEC declared effective the Company's universal shelf registration statement covering the issuance of up to $400.0 million of debt and or equity securities. No securities have been sold under this shelf registration.

Subsequent to year end, the Company obtained a $50.0 million, 8.41% senior unsecured note due February 2003. In conjunction with this financing, the Company entered into two interest rate swaps, totaling $50.0 million, which allows the Company to convert fixed-rate debt to floating-rate debt. Interest differentials to be paid or received due to these swaps will be reflected as adjustments to interest expense over the related debt period. The proceeds from the $50.0 million senior unsecured debt were used to pay down other debt.

The financial resources available to the Company at December 31, 1999 include $260.0 million under the Facilities, unused short-term uncommitted lines of credit aggregating approximately $72.6 million, the shelf registration, and internally generated funds. Based on its debt level as of December 31, 1999, the Company could have had an average of approximately $150.5 million of additional debt outstanding during the year without amending the terms of its debt agreements. The Company believes these financial resources and other credit arrangements will be sufficient to meet its foreseeable needs for working capital, capital expenditures and dividends.

For information about the Company's derivative financial instruments, see Item 7A. "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk."

In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the "FASB") issued Statement No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities," which, as amended by Statement No. 137, is effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2000. The Company expects to adopt Statement No. 133 in January 2001. The Company has not yet determined what the effect of Statement No. 133 will be on its results of operations or financial position. However, the statement could increase volatility in earnings and comprehensive income (loss).

Statements contained in this Form 10-K that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In addition, words such as "believes," "anticipates," "expects" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The Company cautions that a number of important factors could cause actual results for 2000 and beyond to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of the Company. Such statements contain a number of risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, demand and competition for polyester fiber and PET resins; availability and cost of raw materials; levels of production capacity and announced changes to existing levels; changes in financial markets, interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates; work stoppages; natural disasters; U.S., European, Far Eastern and global economic conditions and changes in laws and regulations; prices of competing products; and the Company's ability to complete expansions and other capital projects on time and budget and to maintain the operations of its existing production facilities. The Company cannot assure that it will be able to anticipate or respond timely to changes which could adversely affect its operating results in one or more fiscal quarters. Results of operations in any past period should not be considered indicative of results to be expected in future periods. Fluctuations in operating results may result in fluctuations in the price of the Company's common stock.

In addition to those described above, the more prominent risks and uncertainties inherent in the Company's business are set forth below. However, this section does not discuss all possible risks and uncertainties to which the Company is subject, nor can it be assumed necessarily that there are no other risks and uncertainties which may be more significant to the Company.

Capacity utilization, which is the demand for product divided by its supply, is a critical factor affecting the Company's financial performance. Demand for polyester fiber historically has been cyclical because it is subject to changes in consumer preferences and spending, retail sales patterns, and fiber or textile product imports. Demand, prices and raw material costs for both fiber and PET resins may be affected by global economic conditions. Worldwide supply is expanding for both fiber and resins. Any significant expansion in supply over demand could reduce profitability. A material change in demand, supply or in general economic conditions or uncertainties regarding future economic prospects could have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations.

The U.S. and European fiber markets and the European resin markets have experienced and been severely impacted by imports, principally from far eastern countries. Imports of fiber and fiber products caused an over-supply which decreased fiber margins. The price and volume of imports can significantly reduce the profitability of the Company's businesses.

The Company's operations are substantially dependent on the availability and cost of its two primary raw materials, PTA and MEG. The Company currently relies on a single source for the domestic supply of PTA and a limited number of sources for MEG. The effect of the loss of any of such sources, or a disruption in their business or failure to meet the Company's product needs on a timely basis would depend primarily upon the length of time necessary to find a suitable alternative source. At a minimum, temporary shortages in needed raw materials could have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations. There can be no assurance that precautions taken by the Company would be adequate or that an alternative source of supply could be located or developed in a timely manner.

Because the Company's obligations under the Facilities, bid loans and uncommitted lines of credit bear interest at floating rates, the Company's earnings and cash flows are affected by changes in prevailing interest rates. However, due to its purchase of interest rate swaps, the effect of interest rate changes is limited. In addition, the Company uses foreign currency debt and derivative financial instruments, principally foreign currency forward purchase and sale contracts with terms of less than one year, to hedge its exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. A material change in interest rates or foreign currency exchange rates could have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations. See Item 7A. "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk."

Actual costs to be incurred for identified environmental situations in future periods may vary from the estimates, given inherent uncertainties in evaluating environmental exposures due to unknown conditions, changing government regulations and legal standards regarding liability and evolving related technologies.

The Company does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading purposes. The Company uses derivative financial instruments primarily to manage its exposure to fluctuations in interest rates and foreign exchange rates. The Company also utilizes a derivative financial instrument to manage its exposure to compensation expense under a Supplemental Employee Retirement Plan (SERP). For additional discussion of the Company's use of such instruments, see notes 1, 9 and 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Because the Company's obligations under the Facilities, bid loans and uncommitted lines of credit bear interest at floating rates, the Company's earnings and cash flows are affected by changes in prevailing interest rates. However, due to its purchase of interest rate swaps, the effect of interest rate changes is limited. A 10% decrease in market interest rates from those at December 31, 1999 and 1998 that affect the Company's financial instruments would reduce income before income taxes by approximately $1.0 million and reduce cash flow from operations by $1.0 million for both years ended December 31, 1999 and 1998. The potential decrease in fair value of all financial instruments with exposure to interest rate risk resulting from a hypothetical 10% shift in interest rates from December 31, 1999 and 1998 would be approximately $2.0 million at December 31, 1999 and $4.7 million at December 31, 1998. These amounts are determined by considering the impact of hypothetical changes in interest rates on the Company's borrowing cost and interest rate swap agreements. These analyses do not consider the effects of the reduced level of overall economic activity that could exist in such an environment. Further, in the event of a change of such magnitude, management may take actions to further mitigate its exposure to the change. However, due to the uncertainty of the specific actions that would be taken and their possible effects, the sensitivity analysis assumes no changes in the Company's financial structure.

The Company uses foreign currency debt and derivative financial instruments, principally foreign currency forward purchase and sale contracts with terms of less than one year, to hedge its exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. These financial instruments (primarily denominated in Dutch guilders) are specifically used (1) to reduce the impact of foreign currency translation adjustments for its PET resins business in the Netherlands; (2) to reduce the impact of foreign currency fluctuations relative to fixed asset purchase commitments; and (3) to hedge certain accounts receivable and accounts payable denominated in foreign currencies. If foreign currency exchange rates at December 31, 1999 and 1998 adversely changed by 10%, the fair value of these financial instruments outstanding at December 31, 1999 and 1998 would decline by approximately $3.0 million and $6.0 million, respectively. However, such loss in fair value would be substantially offset by an increase in fair value of the Company's underlying exposure. The Company's sensitivity analysis of the effects of changes in foreign currency exchange rates does not factor in any potential changes in sales levels affected by changes in local currency prices.

The Company also uses an equity-linked investment to hedge its exposure to compensation expense to a SERP. This equity-linked investment, the value of which fluctuates based on the market price of the Company's stock, is marked to market, and gains or losses are recognized as an offset to compensation expense related to the SERP. A 10% decrease in the market value of the Company's stock would not materially affect the fair value of the equity-linked investment at December 31, 1999 and 1998.

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.