Partnership and commitment are two words that describe Kemira’s approach to paper machine start-up and conversion projects perfectly. Early commitment and mutual trust are the keys to success. When we’re involved early, right from the planning phase, we can provide the customer with the best possible advice on the chemicals and dosage levels that are right for their specific application. This ensures maximum efficiency from the start, which is really important in these types of projects. Until the paper machine is up and running producing saleable product, it’s not contributing anything to the bottom line.
When you have several chemical suppliers, it can be very difficult to design a process that works optimally because no one has a big-picture view.
A tailored approach that pays dividends
What makes TCM unique is that every last detail is tailored to the customer’s chemistry requirements from the very beginning. When you have several chemical suppliers, it can be very difficult to design a process that works optimally because no one has a big-picture view. By putting all their eggs in one basket – choosing to work with a single supplier – the paper manufacturer can design their process in the most efficient and optimal way and ensure that everything is connected and ready on time. It also gives them less to worry about and more time to focus on what they’re good at.
By putting all their eggs in one basket the paper manufacturer can design their process in the most efficient and optimal way and ensure that everything is connected and ready on time.
Training also plays a big part early on in the process. Prior to the start-up or conversion our experts can run training sessions for the paper machine crews on how to operate the chemical dosing equipment. We help them to understand the critical role that chemistry plays in the process and teach them about what the chemicals actually do. This is particularly valuable in conversion projects, which might involve, for example, converting a machine from fine paper to corrugated board production. In these cases the crews are stepping into unfamiliar territory, and proper training helps to make the project run much more smoothly and efficiently.
Comprehensive support from the best in the business
Another thing that sets TCM apart is the ability to provide expert support with every single aspect of the customer’s project that relates to chemicals and chemistry, including access to our R&D resources and product development expertise. With smart process management tools like KemConnect™, we can also help them optimize their supply chain and inventories based on chemical consumption. This means, for example, that they never have to worry about over or under-ordering chemicals because we make sure the storage tanks are always kept at optimum level, so there are no unexpected breaks in production because of a lack of inventory.
You always want things to go as smoothly as possible, and with multiple suppliers involved it’s far easier for things to go off track. With TCM you have a single point of contact, one person to go to with your problems and questions. And we make sure you get the best resources available by putting together a dedicated project team headed up by one of our experienced technical experts.
We rely on Kemira’s Total Chemistry Management in converting a machine and delivering optimum results.
Thomas Welt – CEO, Laakirchen Papier AG
