Chip Testing Lab ExpansionAustin Fulmer

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Introduction

• Name: Austin Fulmer• WestRock Location: Coshocton, Ohio• Department: Virgin Fiber Supply• School: Auburn University• Degree: Natural Resource Management

• Minor: Economics• Graduation Date: May 2016• Hometown: Gulf Shores, Alabama

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Project OverviewPurpose:

• Make accommodations to chip lab to house new Gradex Analyzer

• Ultimately supply a consistent size paper chip to the pulp mill

• Process• Replace outdated Chip Class® classifier with new Gradex Chip

Analyzer• Plan, Design, Contract an addition to our existing chip analyzing

lab to accommodate new machine

• Result• 120 square foot addition to our chip testing lab• Estimated savings of $122,000 for fiscal year 2016

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Lessons Learned• For each ½% increase of usable purchased fiber, savings

equal approximately $71,000 annually• By identifying the suppliers who give highest percentage

of accepted chips, we are able to implement baseline percentages and hold suppliers to that standard.

• Having a baseline percentage also allows us to pick suppliers that will provide the optimal paper chip for the lowest cost.

• Consistency is everything• When a uniform chip size is entering the digester the pulp

mill is able to optimize production.