EXHIBIT 23(a)

            CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statements(Form
S-8, Nos. 33-17196, 33-44822, 33-44877, 33-44876, 33-22459, 33-38491,33-54075,
33-54079, 33-54077, 333-47833, 333-28273, 333-38752, 333-62568,333-62572, and
333-117017) pertaining to various stock option, employee savings, deferred
compensation and restricted stock plans and in Registration Statements (Form
S-3, Nos. 33-36001, 333-60175, and 333-121743) pertaining to a universal shelf
registration statement and registration of preferred stock and common stock
warrants of Wellman, Inc. of our reports dated March 11, 2005, with respect to
the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule of
Wellman, Inc., Wellman, Inc. management's assessment of the effectiveness of
internal controls over financial reporting, and the effectiveness of internal
control over financial reporting of Wellman, Inc., included in this Annual
Report (Form 10-K) of Wellman, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2004.

/Ernst & Young LLP

Charlotte, North Carolina
March 15, 2005