Pulp & Paper
A rolling paper machine producing kraft paper.
Changing the way people work
Pulp & Paper is a complex mix of discrete and process manufacturing. This industry was Datamasters’ first exposure to the criticality of connected assets, reliability and maintenance in an asset-intensive business. Since then, we’ve made asset management our core business focus.
In several mills we assisted cross-functional user groups define their business requirements and seek a packaged technology solution to meet their needs.
“The replacement of old systems with technology-enabled business processes forever changed the way our people do their jobs.”
-Bill Sharkey, Senior VP & Mill Manager, Elk Falls Pulp & Paper, Fletcher Challenge
A recycled paper mill running 2 paper machines.
A mill Turnaround
At a troubled recycled paper plant running 2 paper machines, a new mill manager was given the authority to turn the mill around or shut it down. We were brought in to assist the mill manager make his decision. We approached this challenge by conducting a quick-and-deep Maintenance-Operations Assessment. Using the diagnostic, we worked with managers, staff, and tradespeople to create a Call To Action in the form of a doable plan that mill personnel executed over the next year.
We found the root cause of the mill’s troubles enabling the mill manager to stabilize the paper machines and turn the mill around. With stable machines, the mill recovered product worth $600,000 a month in revenue. 300 jobs were saved.
Box & Packaging, OSB, and Lumber
Our first awareness of the significance of maintenance and reliability in the asset-intensive world was in pulp and paper. We then extended our forestry experience into the domains of box and packaging, OSB, and lumber.
We have great stories to tell about our success and experiences in these asset-intensive businesses. Most importantly we worked with great people.
Awards
Our founder, Gail Petersen, was recognized for her contribution to reliability and maintenance in the pulp and paper industry. PIMA, the Pulp&Paper Industry Management Association, presented her with the Kenneth H. Phillips Award for her service.
Read more about Gail’s story!