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Articles
MPI puts the “super” in SC-A
In 1981, Madison Paper Industries (MPI) in Madison, Maine, became the first North American mill dedicated to producing SC papers. With growing competition from European and other North American mills, MPI has now installed a new gap former, press section, and dryer upgrades on its paper machine. The $52-million project has improved fines and filler distribution, resulting in better SC quality.
Project with a personality:Smart Papers’ IT overhaul
In its first year as an independent paper company, Smart Papers underwent an aggressive, and often painful, 11-month information technology (IT) overhaul. Now, with new ERP, maintenance, and production systems, the mill is reaping information rewards from improved customer service and better decision making through access to more accurate data.
Customers in Focus: Menasha, Maytag, and B2B IT
Backed by a new ERP system in its packaging plants, Menasha is looking to improve efficiencies for itself and its customers, as well as to offer more and better customer service. As part of this effort, advanced XML-based B2B software is allowing Menasha’s ERP system to communicate with systems at its customer, Maytag, and its supplier, Innovative Packaging, cutting costs across the entire supply chain.
Avoiding complications in starch applications
Spoilage, contamination, poor preparation—these common issues with starch use can cause runnability and quality problems as papermakers employ starch in wet end, size press, and coating formulation applications. But, with correct preparation and handling techniques, as well as good housekeeping, this low-cost additive can exceed performance expectations.
Newsprint mills reassess filler alternatives
Continued cost pressures driven by declines in newsprint demand cause producers to examine cost-saving options, such as calcium carbonate fillers, that still allow mills to maintain good sheet quality.
Optimizing forming fabric life
From abrasive fillers to damaging showers, forming fabric is subject to a variety of destructive forces during the papermaking process. This article discusses the most common of these damaging influences and provides practical pointers for reducing their impacts on fabric life.
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