Exhibit 99.1

Contact: Michael Bermish
Investor Relations Officer
(803) 835-2238

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WELLMAN, INC. DIVIDEND ANNOUNCEMENT

November 19, 2007, Fort Mill, SC — The Board of Directors of Wellman, Inc. (NYSE: WLM) has decided not to declare a dividend in the fourth quarter of 2007. The Board concluded that this action is prudent in light of Wellman’s operating performance during the third quarter and its current debt levels.

Wellman, Inc. manufactures and markets high-quality polyester products, including PermaClearÒ brand PET (polyethylene terephthalate) packaging resins and FortrelÒ brand polyester fibers.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements contained in this release 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,” “expects,” “anticipates,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements are made as of the date hereof based upon current expectations, and we undertake no obligation to update this information. These forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to: reduced raw material margins; availability and cost of raw materials; reduced sales volumes; increase in costs; volumes of textile imports; prices and volumes of polyester staple fiber and PET resin imports; the actions of our competitors; the financial condition of our customers; availability of financing, changes in financial markets, interest rates, credit ratings: maintaining our listing on the New York Stock Exchange; changes in tax risks; inability to execute our strategy; environmental risks and foreign currency exchange rates; natural disasters, regulatory changes; U.S., European, Asian and global economic conditions; work stoppages; levels of production capacity and profitable operations of assets; prices of competing products; acts of terrorism; and maintaining the operations of our existing production facilities. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed herein. 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 our common stock. For a more complete description of the prominent risks and uncertainties inherent in our business, see our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006.