Pacific coast division of PIMA 2005 Fall short course: emerging technologies in wet end chemistry November 10 & 11, 2005 Dolce Skamania Lodge, Stevenson WA.

This one-day course is presented by Dr. Kevin Hodgson, Professor, Paper Science and Engineering at the University of Washington. Dr. Hodgson will look at potential changes in the chemical environment for the critical area of the wet end. Participants will have the opportunity to identify ways of improving operations through interactive instruction and group exercises. The objective is to reduce costs on the wet end, learn about recent scientific advances and identify innovative approaches to wet end applications.

The course material will be useful both in dealing with production and manufacturing issues, as well as planning strategies for future product offerings and process improvements. It will also shed light on potential cost improvement strategies centered on wet end additives.

Come prepared to learn:

* New strategies for paper machine wet end chemistry and additives

* How to effectively manage changes in wet end chemistry

* Cost improvement strategies and product optimization 

Who should attend? Anyone involved in the production environment of our industry will find this a beneficial workshop. Mill and production managers in both the manufacturing and supplier sectors of the pulp and paper industry. Superintendents, engineers, and supervisors responsible for operations in production, technical, and quality control.

For conference questions, please contact Joanna Holder at 208-799-1039 or e-mail [e-mail]. For registration information, please contact Larry Johnson Phone: [phone], Fax: [phone] e-Mail: [e-mail]

WARREN "BUDDY" ALLEN NAMED PIMA 2005 MILL MANAGER OF THE YEAR

Warren "Buddy" Allen, general manager of Domtar Industries' Ashdown, Ark., facility, has been named PIMA's 2005 Mill Manager of the Year. The award recognizes the mill manager who has best demonstrated outstanding leadership, management and organizational skills leading to improved results at the facility for which he or she is responsible. Nominees for the award are judged on four criteria: skill in people development; application of best management practices; effective use of external resources; and change management.

PEER RECOGNITION

Nominated by his peers in the industry, Allen was recognized for his major accomplishments in each of the four areas.

In people management, it was noted that Allen possesses a winning attitude that he passes on to his 1,200 mill employees. As a result, the Ashdown Mill set records in 2004 for safety performance (OSHA incidence rate of 1.64) and environmental compliance (0.35 incidents per week), as well as customer complaint rate (.60 for every 1,000 tons shipped) and overall production. The records were the best in the mill's 36-year history.

Under the category of application of best management practices, it was noted that Allen's leadership helped Ashdown receive its ISO 14001 certification in January 2004 and recertification as an ISO 9001:2000 facility during the same time period. Making extensive use of Kaizen methodology, rigorously adhering to and reviewing specifications on all paper grades, exchanging best practice information between Domtar mills and frequent communication with customers meant the mill experienced its lowest number of customer complaints ever in 2004-0.60 per 1,000 tons shipped.

In the category of effective use of external resources, Allen has made extensive use of the mill's Community Advisory Team, local and state government leaders and key customers to help the plant meet and exceed its goals. These relationships have led to millions of dollars in documented savings for the facility, as well as recognition by Little River County as 2004's Large Business of the Year.

His support of the CAT (and the similar Community Environmental Advisory Group) has helped Domtar develop trust and relationships within the community that focus on win-win solutions. Additionally, he has accompanied operators and quality assurance staff members on visits to key customers, where topics such as best management practices, quality or delivery issues and new products are discussed. With legislators, Allen has worked to help government officials learn about the successes and challenges of the paper industry, thus serving as a credible voice for both Domtar and the industry.

CHANGE FOR THE BETTER

Everywhere in business today, change is constant, and the Ashdown facility is no exception. But what is different is Allen's approach to the changes that have occurred at the mill since he became general manager in 2001. These changes have encompassed every area of the facility, from maintenance tracking, logistics and payroll, to benefits administration. Specifically in 2004, three changes were significant: final conversion of all mill systems to SAP; the related implementation of a companywide platform (Genesis Project) that defines how the mill interacts with its customers; and, transition to a dynamic workforce planning system (Work Sight) that automates workforce scheduling functions and ensures proper compensation for employees.

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Allen's change management leadership has set an example that other Domtar facilities follow and led to record performance in 2004 in safety, environmental compliance, quality and mill productivity at Ashdown.

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Allen started his career in 1963 at American Can Company soon after he earned a bachelor's degree in chemistry from Huntingdon College in Montgomery, Ala. He then went on to serve as mill manager, maintenance manager and production manager at major mills in the United States. During this time he also completed the Executive Program at the University of Virginia's Darden School of Business.

Allen serves on many boards and committees, including the Texarkana Chamber of Commerce, Komen Race for the Cure and Dixie PIMA, of which he is currently the president. He has also served as chair of PIMA's annuannual conference.

The Mill Manager of the Year award was presented to Allen June 28, 2005, at the PIMA International Leadership Conference in Nashville, Tenn. The Allen family was on hand at the ceremony to congratulate Buddy on his achievement.

MILL MANAGER OF THE YEAR RECIPIENTS

* 2001  Douglas Daniels, Sappi Fine Paper North America
* 2002  Larry Newell, Liberty Paper
* 2003  Richard D. Arnold, Nexor Fraser Papers Inc.
* 2004  Jack Carter, SP Newsprint
* 2005  Warren "Buddy" Allen, Domtar Industries

RELATED ARTICLE: PACIFIC COAST PIMA DIVISION BOARD 2005

INTERIM CHAIR

JOANNA HOLDER

Potlatch Corp.

Lewiston, ID

[e-mail]

FIRST VICE CHAIR

JOHN HOLTON

Potlatch Corp.

Lewiston, ID

[e-mail]

TREASURER

GEORGE COATS

President

Industrial Research & Engineering, Inc.

Portland, OR

[e-mail]

OFFICER

LARRY JOHNSON

PrimEquip Group, Inc

Portland, OR

[e-mail]

OFFICER

DENNIS A. GARBARINO

Western Region District Manager

Nalco Company

[e-mail]