Technology Solutions to Increase Converters Productivity, 2001 Engineering / Finishing & Converting Conference Proceedings

T. Schraufnagel--An internationally based paper company decided, in early 2000, to invest in the construction and operation of a new U.S. converting facility in order to serve their offshore markets more effectively. The plant is located at a hub of ship, rail, and trucking routes to facilitate timely and cost effective transportation of products and raw materials. The production floor employed state- of-the-art converting equipment, which was capable of high production rates using flexible operational procedures. To compliment the quality converting equipment, a new cutting edge order fulfillment system (OFS) was deployed. The system streamlined the processes of order input, production scheduling, and inventory tracking. This investment in equipment and technology made it possible to produce the extremely high quality products, which are required by clients in offshore markets.

This project report investigates and reviews some of the experiences and operational challenges faced during plant start up and their initial months of operation. The focus will be on the role of the new order fulfillment system and how it impacts daily operations.