Article2 min read Mar 19, 2026Experience That Runs the Machine: Meet the Instructors Behind Paper Machine OperationsThe strength of the Paper Machine Operations course lies in the instructors who bring those disciplines together, each with decades of real-world experience.
Article1 min read Feb 26, 2026Wausau Coated Products Promotes Adam Frey to Executive Vice President of Sales & MarketingWausau Coated Products, Inc. an independent, family-owned and operated, leading manufacturer of adhesive-based label products, is proud to announce the promotion of Adam Frey to Executive Vice President of Sales & Marketing.
Article1 min read Feb 12, 2026Two Appointments at CorrBoard UKCorrBoard UK has appointed Cheryl Andrew and Siobhan Taylor as Customer Service Administrators, reinforcing the company’s commitment to delivering a consistently high standard of customer support.
Article3 min read Feb 10, 2026Spring ASPI Meeting ‘Wows’ AttendeesASPI's Spring Meeting 2025 showcased strategic leadership insights from industry executives, featuring award winners Arsen Kitch of Clearwater Paper and Bill Edwards of Domtar. The conference emphasized workplace safety leadership through expert presentations on safety culture maturity models and risk reduction strategies. Mid-career professionals gained valuable benchmarking insights from senior leaders at Graphic Packaging International and Green Bay Packaging, while networking opportunities facilitated leadership development connections. The upcoming Fall Meeting hosted by Smurfit Westrock in Atlanta promises continued executive insights into strategic direction and supplier alignment for operations managers and R&D leaders seeking advanced industry perspectives.
Article1 min read Jan 22, 2026Cascades Announces Appointment of François Fillion as Vice-President, ExcellenceCascades Inc. (TSX: CAS) announces the appointment of François Fillion, currently Vice-President, Finance for the Packaging sector, as Vice-President, Excellence. He will succeed Emmanuelle Migneault, recently appointed Chief Human Resources Officer.
Article1 min read Jan 15, 2026Welch Packaging Appoints New Director of Manufacturing Welch Packaging has confirmed the appointment of Oscar Ortiz as Director of Manufacturing.
Article1 min read Jan 13, 2026Essity’s Ilham Smaali Appointed Chief Supply Chain OfficerEssity, a leading hygiene and health company, has appointed industry veteran Ilham Smaali as Chief Supply Chain Officer, effective December 31, 2025. Smaali brings over two decades of supply chain expertise from prestigious companies including Procter & Gamble, Nike, and Estee Lauder. She will lead the newly established Supply Chain Enablement function, focusing on economies of scale in sourcing and fulfillment while driving functional transformation across Essity's decentralized operations. This strategic leadership appointment demonstrates Essity's commitment to operational excellence and standardized working methods. For industry professionals tracking executive movements and supply chain innovations, Smaali's appointment represents significant industry leadership transition worth monitoring for best practices and strategic insights.
Article1 min read Jan 1, 2026Invest in Yourself. Invest in Your Future.Access more than $3,000 in value, learning, and industry expertise.
Article1 min read Dec 4, 2025Results are in for November 2025 Over the Wire Reader PollWhat is your biggest obstacle in sustaining a strong safety culture within your mill or converting facility?
Article2 min read Nov 20, 2025Dart Complies With The Build America, Buy American ActDart Controls, an industry leader in variable speed drives, controls, and accessories for electric motors, manufactures their entire diverse product line in their Zionsville, Indiana factory, ensuring that they are Build America, Buy American Act (BABAA) compliant.
Article1 min read Nov 13, 2025Solenis Completes Acquisition of NCH Corporation, Reinforces Position as a Global Leader for Water and Hygiene SolutionsSolenis, a leading global provider of water and hygiene solutions, completed its previously announced acquisition of NCH Corporation (NCH). NCH is the quality leader and trusted on-site expert in middle-market water treatment and industrial solutions.
Article3 min read Nov 11, 2025Domtar Celebrates One Year Under United BrandDomtar celebrates one year of unified operations under its integrated brand, showcasing strategic achievements that demonstrate operational excellence and sustainability leadership. The forest products manufacturer reached landmark agreements with Indigenous partners, invested in critical infrastructure like the Rothschild Dam modernization, and expanded point-of-sale receipt roll capacity to serve retail and financial sectors. Industry recognition from the American Forest and Paper Association and Corporate Knights validates Domtar's sustainability initiatives and water management practices. With unified corporate policies now driving decision-making across 60 North American locations, the company positions itself for continued growth while maintaining its commitment to responsibly sourced fiber and customer-focused innovation.
Article9 min read Nov 11, 2025P&G Announces Results for the First Quarter of Fiscal Year 2026Procter & Gamble's Q1 FY2026 results demonstrate strong operational execution with $22.4 billion in net sales, up 3% year-over-year, and 2% organic growth driven by strategic pricing and favorable product mix. Core earnings per share increased 3% to $1.99, while the company maintained robust cash flow productivity at 102%. For mid-career operations and R&D professionals, P&G's integrated growth strategy showcases effective portfolio management across Beauty, Grooming, and Health Care segments, with innovation-driven pricing supporting margin expansion despite commodity headwinds and tariff pressures totaling $500 million after-tax impact for fiscal 2026.
Article1 min read Nov 11, 2025TAPPI Announces Lawton C. Roberts as its next President and Chief Executive OfficerTAPPI announces Lawton C. Roberts as President and CEO effective November 2025, succeeding retiring industry veteran Larry N. Montague after 19 years of distinguished leadership. Roberts, currently Chief Operating Officer since 2017, brings extensive institutional knowledge and operational expertise to guide the 110-year-old association. His unanimous selection by the Board reflects confidence in continuing TAPPI's member-first approach, global expansion initiatives, and commitment to advancing safety and education standards across pulp, paper, tissue, packaging, and converting industries. This leadership transition ensures seamless continuity for member engagement and industry innovation support.
Article2 min read Oct 30, 2025SponsoredEssity Strengthens Conditions for Profitable GrowthHygiene and health company Essity is today launching measures to create better conditions for profitable growth. Actions include an organizational change that decentralizes decision-making and strengthens end-to-end accountability for each product category, and a cost savings program that is expected to generate annual savings of approximately SEK 1bn with full effect by the end of 2026.
Article2 min read Oct 23, 2025Sappi Recognised in the Forbes Magazine World’s Best Employers and Top Companies for Women Rankings for 2025Sappi has once again earned a place on the prestigious Forbes magazine and Statista World’s Best Employers list for 2025 (#289 globally and #5 in South Africa) as well as the World’s Top Companies for Women list for 2025 (#144 globally and #2 in South Africa).
Article1 min read Oct 23, 2025Time is Running Out—Share Your Voice by October 24!Your feedback will shape the programs, resources, and innovations that drive our industry forward.
Article5 min read Oct 16, 2025The Age of Acceleration: Navigating Digital Transformation and the AI RevolutionTissue industry leaders are navigating digital transformation challenges as AI and emerging technologies reshape manufacturing operations. Jarmo Ropponen from Tietoevry reveals that AI investments can deliver $3.50 returns per dollar spent, with ROI realized within 14 months. Organizations face three critical barriers: lack of AI vision, expertise gaps, and scaling challenges. Success requires strategic implementation focusing on data quality, Manufacturing Execution Systems like TIPS MES, and partnering with technology providers. Five key steps accelerate digital transformation: defining clear objectives, adopting agile mindsets, investing in workforce culture, leveraging AI analytics, and collaborating with industry experts to maximize operational efficiency and competitive advantage.
Article4 min read Oct 16, 2025Unlock Career Growth, Connections, and Expertise with TAPPI’s Tissue DivisionYoung professionals in tissue manufacturing can accelerate career growth through TAPPI Tissue Division volunteer opportunities. Division leaders Alfredo Sarli and Jessica Carette highlight how involvement provides direct access to industry experts, peer networking, and technical knowledge sharing. The division offers multiple engagement paths including Standards review, TIPs development, webinars, committee work, and leadership roles. Young professionals gain mentorship, build professional networks, and develop leadership skills while contributing unique perspectives to industry challenges. With structured support from TAPPI staff and experienced members, volunteers can participate backstage or take on visible speaking and teaching roles, making it an ideal professional development platform for early-career tissue industry professionals.
Article3 min read Sep 22, 20254 Keys to Effective Employee RecognitionRecognition has increased in relevance over the past 40 years and shows no signs of slowing down.
Article3 min read Sep 15, 2025Charting Tomorrow: Insights for Next Generation TalentThree TAPPI Young Professional Division leaders share how they discovered rewarding careers in the pulp and paper industry and offer insights for attracting next-generation talent. McKenna Baker, Brady Hunnicutt, and Sara Young highlight the industry's innovation, sustainability focus, and career opportunities while emphasizing the value of TAPPI membership for networking and professional development. Their advice to employers centers on supporting work-life balance, providing TAPPI involvement opportunities, recognizing young professionals' contributions, and offering schedule flexibility. These perspectives address key challenges facing the industry as 2.8 million manufacturing retirements loom over the next decade, making young professional recruitment and retention critical for sustainable growth.
Article5 min read Sep 15, 2025Continuous Training is the Key to Closing the Skills Gap in ManufacturingManufacturing and operations leaders facing critical skills gaps can transform workforce resilience through continuous, personalized training programs. With 85% of packaging companies struggling to find skilled workers and trade roles 11% below 2007 levels, strategic learning and development initiatives offer competitive advantages including faster technology adoption, improved safety compliance, and enhanced productivity. SouthernCarlson's digital training success, delivering 34,000+ courses across 1,500 deskless employees in the first year, demonstrates how mobile-based, role-specific learning modules can reduce turnover while building high-performing teams ready for industry evolution.
Article7 min read Sep 15, 2025From Nuclear Tech to Tissue Exec: An Interview with Vince Reese, Cardinal TissueCardinal Tissue CEO Vince Reese shares his inspiring journey from Navy nuclear technician to successful paper industry entrepreneur, offering valuable insights for career changers and early professionals entering manufacturing. His military experience taught him self-discipline and learning skills that translate perfectly to paper and packaging careers. Reese emphasizes the importance of qualification-based training programs, hands-on manufacturing experience, and long-term career thinking for newcomers to the industry. His vision includes developing certification programs that combine technical skills with practical manufacturing experience, creating pathways for veterans and career changers to find meaningful work in tissue, paper, and packaging manufacturing where products serve essential daily needs.
Article3 min read Sep 15, 2025Creating a National Bipartisan Forest Products Workforce CouncilFour industry veterans propose establishing a National Bipartisan Forest Products Workforce Council to address critical workforce challenges facing the $80 billion forest products industry. The collaborative initiative brings together CEOs, educational leaders, policymakers, and TAPPI representatives to tackle aging workforce demographics, skills gaps, and recruitment difficulties in rural manufacturing communities. The Council will focus on strengthening educational programs, integrating emerging technologies like AI, expanding apprenticeships, and developing targeted outreach to veterans and underutilized talent pools. With quarterly virtual meetings and dedicated leadership, this strategic workforce development initiative offers experienced professionals meaningful opportunities to shape industry standards, mentor next-generation talent, and ensure long-term sustainability of America's forest products manufacturing sector.
