Valmet provides a quality control system for Western Michigan University pilot machine in the United States

Feb 15, 2023

Western Michigan University (WMU) and Valmet have partnered together on the installation of a Valmet IQ Quality Control System (QCS) at WMU’s pilot paper plant in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

The Valmet IQ Quality Control System uses intelligent scanners, precise integrated or standalone measurements and advanced control applications for monitoring and optimizing end-product quality in board and papermaking. With the installation of an IQ Scanner for WMU’s pilot machine, WMU students will get hands-on educational experience with this automation technology.

The delivery will take place in 2023. The WMU pilot machine is the only dual fourdrinier multi-ply paper/paperboard machine in North America. Many pulp and paper companies leverage this facility for research and development and trials.

“We are excited for the opportunity our clients and students will have to work with this upgrade to the in-line measurement capabilities on our pilot paper machine,” said Lon E Pschigoda II, General Manager, WMU Paper Pilot Plants. “This addition will no doubt improve our efficiency, productivity, and ability to complete successful trials and production runs. The team at Valmet has been great to work with and we look forward to a strong, longstanding relationship that will provide benefit for both of our companies.”

With Valmet being the primary instrumentation supplier to the Graphic Packaging International (GPI) paper machine in Kalamazoo, students will also benefit from being able to apply the skills they learn in the pilot program if they happen to intern or work for the local GPI facility in the future.

“We’re excited for the students at WMU to have this opportunity as we know the value in sharing the latest technology available in the pulp and paper industry,” says Tim Betteridge, Vice President, Automation Solutions North America, Valmet. “Having the students work on the latest advancements in automation technology further prepares them to enter the industry and encourages them to stay in pulp and paper after graduation. We want the students to find excitement and enthusiasm with our latest automation advancements.”

About Western Michigan University Paper Pilot Plants

We provide workforce and facility solutions for research, product development, and education for the public and educational communities within the paper, printing, and allied industries. Through our public partnerships, we provide a valued workforce supplement as well as open access to pilot plant facilities and personnel that are validated by the use and support of the industries we serve.

We offer an internationally sought out center of service excellence available to the university community as well as all private and public individuals and organizations learning and working within the paper, printing, and allied industries. Our uniqueness is defined by our industrial staff, our pilot plant, and laboratory facilities, and our affiliation with an academic and research center of excellence in papermaking, coating, composting, and recycling. For more information, please visit www.wmupilotplant.com.

VALMET

For further information, please contact:

Tim Betteridge, Vice President, Automation Solutions North America, Valmet, email: tim.betteridge@valmet.com, tel. +1 770 330 2665

Lon E Pschigoda II, General Manager, WMU Paper Pilot Plants, email: lon.pschigoda@wmich.edu, tel. +1 269 689 9612

About Valmet
Valmet is a leading global developer and supplier of process technologies, automation and services for the pulp, paper and energy industries. With our automation systems and flow control solutions we serve an even wider base of process industries. Our 17,500 professionals around the world work close to our customers and are committed to moving our customers’ performance forward – every day.

The company has over 220 years of industrial history and a strong track record in continuous improvement and renewal. In 2022, a major milestone was achieved when the flow control company Neles was merged into Valmet. Valmet’s net sales in 2022 were approximately EUR 5.1 billion.

Valmet’s shares are listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki and the head office is in Espoo, Finland.

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