Tour the Paper-Making Process at Pixelle Specialty Solutions™

[@ThomasSielaff]

I was a papermaker (machine operator) for 30 years, up until my 120yr old mill was closed in 2008 and eventually torn down. Even though mine was a coated groundwood papermill, this video takes me back. People think I'm nuts, but I truly miss being a papermaker. Thank you for making this.

[@pixellespecialtysolutions3490]

Our pleasure Thomas. Glad we could bring back some of the good memories. As you know, Papermaking requires a special craftsmanship. You can't just put anyone on a machine and expect it to work. The papermaker needs to understand his/her machine and what it likes and dislikes. It understandable that after three decades you would miss working your craft. Thank you for your 30 years of service to the industry.

[@ThomasSielaff]

@@pixellespecialtysolutions3490 You are totally correct. Each machine has its own personality to be learned and handled in a certain way.

[@larrygregoire842]

I worked in a cigarette paper mill I. Spotswood NJ for about 30 years first year I worked in the finishing dept running a Dusenbury,The next year drove a forklift that supplied the dusenbury's with rolls then to the Machine room running a paper machine for 22+ years as they where slowly shutting down machines over the years I got moved to the pulp mill section running Flax digesters , they made the fist hemp paper as an experiment before using flax . I think we where the only paper mill in the world that made flax cigarette paper .Philip Morris was our main customer and we developed the FSC paper Which is more refined stock with less porosity made to go out if you stop hitting on it . This job made me quit smoking

[@larrygregoire842]

We had 6 paper making machines in our mill and each one was different. When I was trained to run the machine I was going to work with I also had to train 2 weeks on all the others before I was ready to be on my own . And yes each machine was run differently.

[@KatoOnTheTrack1]

I’m just getting into the business as a design engineer in a R&D department. I’m pushing to visit one of our paper mills for personal and business reasons. As a model railroader, I’d like to incorporate the industry on my layout.

[@larrygregoire842]

Reminds me of Peter J Schweitzer's paper mill 85 main St Spotswood NJ I worked in for almost 30 years .I think we where the only ones who made cigarette paper with flax pulp that we made with rotary digesters . The mill opened I think in the late 30's and closed for good on Dec.31 2020 our mill was once supplied cigarette paper to every cigarette company in the world .We even had a world map that took up a whole wall with over 100 different brands of cigarette packs stuck on it . That map disappeared in the early 2000's . The mill got torn down this summer 2022 and the land is getting redeveloped . The mill closing also effected the flax suppliers in Canada that also is closing .

[@markslupe7197]

My Dad also worked for Schweitzer's in MN for 30+ years. I'm sure he was at your mill many times.

[@justinrentmeester252]

Beautiful facility and awesome personnel! As a new employee, I was greeted with eye contact and smiles...that makes a difference to me! The folks at this mill are passionate about what they do and they do it well!

[@pixellespecialtysolutions3490]

Thank you Justin!

[@r3dp9]

I would love to see a full length TV series about the entire journey from sapling, to tree, to the facility, through the various processes. I imagine the logistics of thinning get quite interesting when driving large machinery through a forest.

[@BigEvy]

I’ve been at our local mill during shutdown , and all the processes can be really overwhelming when they are all napping at once , all around you. Breaking it down like this makes it more manageable and reasonable to understand ! Good video !

[@khalidiqbal5567]

Excellent virtual tour 😃 to see lovely processing of paper making.

[@Mass_hole508]

As someone who works for a newspaper it's cool to see the process on how the paper is made.

[@royalanson1440]

you all prolly dont care but does someone know a tool to get back into an instagram account?? I somehow lost the password. I would appreciate any tips you can offer me!

[@jeffreygatlin2039]

@Royal Anson Instablaster :)

[@royalanson1440]

@Jeffrey Gatlin i really appreciate your reply. I got to the site on google and Im in the hacking process atm. Looks like it's gonna take a while so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@royalanson1440]

@Jeffrey Gatlin it did the trick and I now got access to my account again. Im so happy! Thanks so much you really help me out :D

[@jeffreygatlin2039]

@Royal Anson you are welcome :D

[@ulidasiadari1001]

I'm a Pulp and paper technology student at a University in Indonesia. I'm gonna be in Semester 3 this year. Actually, I got a fully-funded scholarship from a pulp and paper company in Indonesia and have to work there for at least 3 years as the scholarship deals after I graduate. But I also look for a pulp and paper company in the US. Because I'm planning on working in the US because my bf is there. And I found this video! Going to learn more about this company! :)

[@pixellespecialtysolutions3490]

Hello Ulida and thank you for taking the time to watch our papermaking video. We wish you the best of luck in your schooling at the University of Indonesia. When you are ready to consider employment in the industry, you are more than welcome to visit our website www.Pixelle.com to review job opportunities on the Careers Page. Thanks again.

[@brettweigle8420]

This has been an illuminating watch! I live across the street from the Spring Grove mill and I also work there as a security officer. I patrol many of the areas shown in this video, so it's been cool to see them from a different angle. It's fascinating, as well, to get a peek at the parts of the mill I don't see day-to-day. Thanks for putting this video out, it's well-made and very informative!

[@pixellespecialtysolutions3490]

Thank you Brett for taking the time to watch this video and for the positive comments. We very much appreciate your hard work and dedication to the Spring Grove mill. As you know, the operation spans several counties so providing security for such a large operation is no small task. Thanks for all that you do to help keep us safe and secure at the mill.

[@wendydebeer5428]

Really comprehensive and interesting video in the process of paper making and distribution.

[@pixellespecialtysolutions3490]

Thank you Wendy! We appreciate you watching.

[@TamunoOpuboCooksCookeyGam]

I have a pulp and paper mill interview in 3 days. This was very intriguing to watch.

[@larrygregoire842]

Not a bad job , Good pay and easy work if all is running good . I think the mill I worked in for almost 30 years was the easiest job I ever had if you can take the heat ,noise and long shift work hours ..We where paid pretty well too Our overtime pay was after 8 hours you got time and a half ,every scheduled day off that you came in was time and a half ,every 6th day worked in a week was time and a half ,Every Sunday was double time even if it was the only day you worked that week and if you worked on a holiday like thanks giving you got double time plus a days pay . The longest I worked was 16 hours a day for 33 days in a row with no days off . That was fun , I'm glad I lived 1.7 miles from the mill.

[@TamunoOpuboCooksCookeyGam]

@@larrygregoire842 Lol. That 33 day stretch must have been tough but the shmonies.....

[@larrygregoire842]

@@TamunoOpuboCooksCookeyGam It really sucked . And every week you changed shifts backwards 1 week would be day shift 7am to 3pm then Monday comes it's Midnight shift 11pm to 7am.Then the next week 3pm to 11pm . You can agree with your co workers (relief) to stay in a steady shift until what we called a freeze was over . All of this was going on because it was getting close to the mill closing down and people getting laid off as equipment shut down , and most of us had 6 weeks vacation and 5 days pay so near the end you got stuck there if some one took vacation Even worse when some one is on vacation and another guy goes out sick in your group wich causes 16 hour days 20 hours voluntary. We worked what we called a 7 day tour every 7 days your shift changed Day shift would start on Sat .and end on Fri. Then Sat to Tues. Off .Start Midnight shift Wed night until Tuesday, then Wed. Thurs off and start day shift again on Friday . I did this for almost 30 years .

[@TamunoOpuboCooksCookeyGam]

@@larrygregoire842 Damn. I don't think I could do that long term. This mill, interviewed Tuesday, say they have a great work life balance and room for growth. So I hope it's a better experience

[@larrygregoire842]

@@TamunoOpuboCooksCookeyGam I'm sure it will be better there ..We even had a department that was on 10 day tour 10 days on 4 days off and a weekend shift where you would work 16 hours Sat and Sunday and the rest of the week off wich was not so bad Sunday was a double time day so you got 32 hours pay for 16 and Sat was 16 hours strait time so you got paid 48 hours for them days ..

[@lisabenson3183]

Great Virtual Tour!

[@pixellespecialtysolutions3490]

Thanks for watching Lisa.

[@daveschilling4280]

Informative, well produced video. Thank you for sharing.

[@pixellespecialtysolutions3490]

Thank you for watching Dave!

[@benhoulton3832]

Great video. Very informative.

[@creativeability]

Wonderful Process Of Paper Making

[@stevencannon3281]

Cool video! Please post some more on specialty papers!

[@johnmesamore5263]

Awesome video I worked on a valmet twin wire machine #63 in Ashdown but I liked the Beloit single long wire machine #62 better

[@baboo423]

Very satisfied customer all the way from Guyana S.A.

[@dougbowers6930]

Nice review of the paper mills and process

[@pixellespecialtysolutions3490]

Thanks for watching Doug.

[@patrickteesdale996]

Awesome company!

[@pixellespecialtysolutions3490]

Thank you Patrick!

[@cerealchild166]

Awesome video!!

[@lloydtuskan1535]

Wow, thanks for sharing the facility information!

[@pixellespecialtysolutions3490]

Thanks for watching Lloyd!

[@cweeks5211]

Really well done!

[@HEG_Plays]

excellent video, this I will send to my clients! as the distributor / exporter for your products this type of video is phenomenal. thank you!

[@pixellespecialtysolutions3490]

Thank you Enrique for the kind words and for sharing this educational video. Very much appreciated.

[@khajakhan2294]

Nice video it will be important for us

[@TheGamersTag1]

what an awesome video! thank you for sharing.

[@pixellespecialtysolutions3490]

Thank you! We appreciate you watching.

[@catherinecartolano6520]

Very informative and well done video.

[@pixellespecialtysolutions3490]

Thank you Catherine.

[@chatrabhujhinsu6570]

Hello friends. Great information and very useful. And using highly technologycal equipment in the plant. Thank you very much sir.

[@aronpaul604]

Dundler Mifflin, this is Pam

[@johnhartmusii1499]

It is sad that they didn't show the Kraft wrapper in Chillicothe's 12 Finishing area!

[@pixellespecialtysolutions3490]

Hello John and thank you for the feedback. We shot footage of the papermaking process at both the Chillicothe, OH and Spring Grove, PA mills. Unfortunately, if we used all the footage, this 17 minute KZbin video would have a run time in excess of several hours. In addition, this video does not capture operations at Pixelle’s newest mills in Stevens Point, WI and Jay, Maine. If we have an opportunity in the future to update this video, we will try to capture the Kraft wrapper. Thanks again and hope you enjoyed.

[@gregernst5390]

nicely done

[@pixellespecialtysolutions3490]

Thanks for watching Greg.

[@rosemaryortega9879]

AWESOME VIDEO!!! :-)

[@bubblehead78]

Interesting video. Very professionally made.

[@axumraguvanshi5152]

Thnx for this👍

[@internetonsetadd]

I watched this out of curiosity without realizing this mill is somewhat near me in Spring Grove. I understand paper and jobs are important, but man does it stink up the air sometimes.

[@supernovaskies5044]

most factory work does that. Kind of irritating, but definitely importante

[@madornery]

@@supernovaskies5044 Fortunately we have lobbied the government deregulate restrictions so we dont have to do the epa garbage. The air belongs to everyone and it can smell bad if i make money. get over it. if you hate money then just leave.

[@madornery]

@@supernovaskies5044 yea it is kind of irritating when people complain about the importance of making money. you tell em. Its just stink. Its not proven to get you sick or anything jeez

[@ayeshamohammed6506]

Nice information

[@alotle]

I wonder how they deal with rain and unpredictable weather conditions for those plain fields where they lay down trimmed wood pieces

[@kevytrosvo]

Don't think it maters if they are wet when they go to the pulping process... and if it does they probably have a dryer section where they can dry it before pulping.

[@davidshelton6788]

Great video

[@pixellespecialtysolutions3490]

Thank you David. Thank you for watching.

[@dietervanassche9254]

Would love to see what kind of process safety systems are brought in place.

[@pdeshad5527]

Beat tour i never saw

[@rayessex2837]

What part of the process determines the weight of the paper? It was really interesting to see how stuff is made that I deal with on a daily basis. There are so many more questions to ask but I won't. I see literally tons and tons of Pixelle wrappers at work all of the time lol.

[@pixellespecialtysolutions3490]

Thanks Ray for taking the time to watch the video. Glad you like it. To answer your question, thickness or caliper of our paper is primarily controlled at the end of the paper machine as the paper goes through a calendar stack. The rollers in the stack apply pressure to the paper essentially flattening it to the desired thickness. Some calendar stack are on machine and some are off machine and some are called super calendars. We use those when the sheet really needs pressed hard. This also applies an extremely smooth surface to the paper.

[@rayessex2837]

@@pixellespecialtysolutions3490 Are 20 and 24 pound probably the most common? We use a lot of different weights and sizes but those seem to be what i see the most of. It was also interesting to see how the packs are wrapped. The brown paper wraps are so much better when it comes to unloading trucks then the plastic wrap.

[@pixellespecialtysolutions3490]

@@rayessex2837 Yes, those are two of our more popular weights for our printing grades of paper. We also agree that the brown craft wrap is easier to work with and recycle than the plastic wraps. Typically we only use poly wrap when the product absolutely requires it. Otherwise, we are all about the paper!

[@rayessex2837]

@@pixellespecialtysolutions3490 I really appreciate you responding to my questions. One more and i won't bug you with anymore, How are paper supplies are they ample or will we be limited?

[@pixellespecialtysolutions3490]

@@rayessex2837 paper supply remains very tight. Paper producers have closed a significant amount of capacity over the past two decades in order to manage the supply/demand balance. When a mill closes, it really can't ever be restarted due to costs and other liabilities. When demand spikes as is the case right now, there's not enough capacity to fulfill demand. Add to this container ships stuck in ports due to logistical issues....so imports have not been as effective at relieving demand pressures. Industry Analysts believe supply is going to be tight for the foreseeable future.

[@uniquesolution7915]

Very Nice video. How Can you help me to know about what equipment used during whole process.

[@sonyamoyler9237]

Awesome ❤thank you!

[@NelTopREE]

I live 8 miles from the spring grove mill have watched the log and chip trucks for years through different carrier changes

[@pixellespecialtysolutions3490]

It is amazing to think that manufacturing started in Spring Grove back in the 1700s with the iron forge; evolved into a paper mill in the 1800s; and since the Battle of Gettysburg, has been continuously operating for well over 150 years. Lots of change, but the people of Spring Grove never stop moving forward.

[@douglasmarecek4643]

Nice facility

[@garybelanger1059]

I worked for RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS and on the same type of paper machine as in this video and after 100 years of paper making in my community they shut us down . Before RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS we were ABITIBI BOWATER . WHERE I live it was where ABITIBI built its first paper mill in Iroquois Falls ONTARIO CANADA . The mill closed in 2015

[@pixellespecialtysolutions3490]

I am very sorry to hear of your mill closure. It is frustrating to see so many mills across the country close due to changing demand patterns, imports, rising costs, raw material disruptions, etc. I've been in the industry for 22 years, so that makes me a newbie. In my time, I've seen a lot of change and many mill towns devastated. After celebrating 150 years of continuous operation in Spring Grove, PA, even we underwent some change when private equity purchased our operation. Fortunately, they've provided the investments we needed, but never a day goes by that we don't have to overcome a challenge. I suppose that is one thing that never changes.

[@garybelanger1059]

We modernize our mill from the debarking of the trees to having a thermal mechanical pulping to an new core room to having the same paper machine you have in this video and having up to date finishing room and rapping machine and only 180 employees when they closed the mill

[@garybelanger1059]

If a any one who is interested look up FRANK ANSON ABITIBI POWER AND PAPER he started ABITIBI

[@johncrane2276]

That was educational I enjoyed that video

[@petertuckergoettler5720]

Interesting To Note, merci.

[@kumarvermakri]

Can contact to you ??? Can you explain, by one tree how many A4 size paper will be prepared ??? Please answer please

[@DominicNJ73]

no

[@cmjk2372]

After cutting trees 🌴... you will plant same time?? how you manage 😊

[@kbaacca]

That's covered in Fsc certifications

[@AffordBindEquipment]

so, from what I have seen, Home Depot sells pulpwood lumber...

[@donaldmarlow1912]

²

[@sunnythorat6929]

It's interesting

[@simply-_-]

Should have show chillicothes actual shipping department

[@manuelbastosli7041]

Buenas tardes cuanto cuesta cada bobina de papel y que topos de papel venden y cartulinas, un correo electrónico o teléfono gracias

[@BhagyaPatel-xx5qs]

Which company is making the whole plant machinary??

[@7StreamsofIncome247]

Chinese design engineering firm

[@NudiMuki]

Valmet or Voith

[@gurwindersingh4642]

Have you have pulp waste

[@nathandrake6344]

paper important there abundant trees

[@orpheus1662]

Your warehouse in chillicothe Ohio is the epiphany of incompetence. Maybe you know about this maybe you don’t but I suggest you look into it if you don’t. As a truck driver it’s unheard how you treat truck drivers. If you can’t keep up with truck traffic don’t book loads and waste drivers time.

[@pixellespecialtysolutions3490]

Hello, Orpheus. Thank you for calling this to our attention. We apologize for the delays and challenges you dealt with at our Chillicothe facility. Our goal is to always act as a good partner with the truck drivers who help move our papers, but we know that as we navigate these challenging times, we sometimes don't reach that goal. Fortunately, we have implemented a number of changes to help improve our service levels. First, we have hired more employees. It will take some time to fully train everyone, but we are doing everything we can to expedite that process. Second, we have implemented a new dock schedule that requires carriers to set pickup appointments, which allows us to limit the number of trucks being scheduled so drivers have reduced wait times. We have several other workstreams in process to help improve service. Thank you again for taking the time to contact us. Your feedback is important and appreciated.

[@simply-_-]

Not the loaders fault 🙌

[@mikeschaeffer6485]

can you bring the smell back?

[@eyes160]

We need Virgin pulp karaft paper rolls

[@feisal6592]

Hiyo west ya magogo mutumiye kwa tishuu na karatasi vitabu

[@AJ-et3vf]

❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@pixellespecialtysolutions3490]

We appreciate you watching.

[@kevytrosvo]

why burn natural gas, when you can get all the energy you need from wood/pulp making process.

[@pixellespecialtysolutions3490]

Hello and thank you for the question. While we burn wood waste (biomass) to produce energy, this biomass only accounts for about 10% - 15% of our energy needs. We utilize natural gas to help make up the difference.

[@thomasmint1761]

Your vast personal methane from your overeating would suffice

[@manhacks3234]

Additionally, there are often other biomass boilers used to recycle chemicals used in the pulping process - sooo much recycling!!

[@kevytrosvo]

@@manhacks3234 yeah, here in Finland we have pulp factories that make over 200% of the electricity they need, Wich means they can sell lots of energy to the grid. And they get that by just recycling the pulping chemicals.

[@pdeshad5527]

We have to save forest and trees

[@111111111Tiger]

Most responsible paper companies / forest management companies plant more trees than they consume.

[@mohdahmed4122]

Good

[@samarpankhadka6267]

Wow

[@KIRAN-1807]

How the waste water is treated in your industry?

[@saimelengalan468]

I think someday we dont need paper because of technology progress all transaction involved gadget.no need papers ,after 10 yrs what do you think no need to cut tree someday.

[@pixellespecialtysolutions3490]

The beauty of paper is that it comes from a renewable resource. Unlike plastics and other materials that rely on limited resources and remain in the environment for decades or even centuries, paper can be recycled many times and trees that are cut can be regrown. You need to keep in mind that land is valuable. If we are not harvesting and replanting trees, then the land will be used for something else…..most likely commercial development. Land will never sit idle. Plus, you need to look at all the applications that require the use of paper. Many of the tapes used by Amazon and other retailers to ship packages to your home are paper-based. Release liners for building insulation, bandages, signage, stickers, etc. are paper. Greeting cards, playing cards, books, labels, food packaging all use paper. Baby diapers use cellulose fibers from trees to create the absorbent cores as do feminine hygiene products that are relied upon the world over. Paper is used as an interleaver for food, glass and even steel to provide protection from scratching. Paper is also used as part of the high-pressure laminate construction for kitchen countertops. This is just a very small example of how paper impacts our ever day life. To answer your question, no, I do not see paper or our dependance on renewable resources disappearing in ten years. Renewable resources are not part of the problem, they are part of the solution.

[@manhacks3234]

You would be very surprised how much paper is around you that you don't realize. Remember, not only are trees plants that can be regrown (and better cut down than fallen down to become forest fire kindling), but their waste is biodegradable unlike plastic.

[@TheHavocdog]

Tissue paper is Also paper. Let's see how computer chips replace that paper.

[@1969CampEvans]

30 years in this environment....not easy maintenance work

[@lugnut6981]

I just applied for a mechanical journeyman position at a mill near me. This video definitely shows how much there is to maintain in a paper mill. Were you in the maintenance department for your whole 30 years? Also, what areas of the mill did you work in?

[@YoutubeC484]

Yeah maintenance at a mill would suck! Rather do the general labor

[@vladodjuric3385]

Holland has fuel for wood machines.

[@perrydavis5433]

"clean burning natural gas"

[@r3dp9]

Relative to burning coal, which is better than wood logs (depending on the exact type of wood/coal and the burning process). The only way to go cleaner would be to go nuclear, but even that has some footprint due to construction materials and maintenance. Solar and wind are insufficient for industrial purposes, which need to run 24/7 to remain cost effective. Biofuels lack the energy density needed, and are usually a net negative on the environment since the fertilizers used to produce biofuels in the first place come from fossil fuels.

[@kevytrosvo]

@@r3dp9 Well, paper mills shouldn't need to burn anything else. They should be more thasn self sufficient on energy from just the chemical recovery side in pulping process. at least here in finland majority of em are.

[@richie2dicks468]

⁠@@kevytrosvoI work in chem recovery. It doesn’t provide near the steam load needed for our mill. Depends how many machines you have also. We have 3 machines and a multiple pulp lines. Other mills near us don’t have all that so maybe they can get buy with less. Also chem recover fluctuates based on production speed. You still need power boilers or dual fuel sources for slow backs and such. We have 2 recovery boilers and 3 power boilers and still buy power from the grid. All boiler have multi fuel sources.

[@louisjohnston600]

Mm up he o

[@louisjohnston600]

Muu

[@kevinhoward9593]

How can you say "we protect the environment" but your main job is to cut down acres and acres of trees for paper.

[@pixellespecialtysolutions3490]

Hello Kevin. Our main job is to produce specialty papers that are used the world over by consumers. To do this we consume renewable resources like trees. There are countless videos available that explain the many benefits of utilizing renewable resources, but suffice it to say, when trees are not harvested to build houses, furniture, paper, etc., the land is often overtaken by real estate development, highways, etc. When that happens, the forest is lost forever. By managing forest lands, we protect them from development, we reduce the likelihood of forest fires, we minimize the growth of evasive species, protect natural habitats, and we replant and regrow new tress which helps sequester carbon. In so many different ways, we help protect the environment. I encourage you do learn more about this topic online.

[@djaztec97]

Some pulp/paper mills grow trees solely for paper, which is better than destroying a forest.

[@r3dp9]

@@pixellespecialtysolutions3490 This right here. Cutting down random forests isn't only irresponsible, it's economically impractical. The idea of importing tropical rainforests trees to an inland facility is absurd. It's easier to maintain high quality, accessible trees when those trees are managed, planted, and thinned locally. Just like any farm, except that you don't need to cull the local wildlife.

[@thomasmint1761]

Give it a rest

[@manhacks3234]

Trees are giant asparagus plants :) they can be replanted (metaphor, not literal). And, better cut down than fallen down to become kindling for a forest fire.

[@richardnz07]

Oneday Earth will take revenge

[@harrysonsitanggang4076]

Amazing video!!