Tissue 202: Converting Operations Course

Do you want to learn how to improve converting plant productivity?

→  This 3-day training helps you find all the points where you can influence operational efficiency.

→  You'll gain a better understanding of what new technologies and resources are available in converting operations.

This is a unique course covering the entirety of of converting operations.
You will find very few - if any - other training opportunities like this!  Others may only focus on windings and nonwovens.  

TAPPI's Tissue 202: Converting Operations Course instructors will focus on roll products and have designed this course to address two primary objectives:

1. To define and explain the basic rolled products converting processes; and
2. To describe how quality and variability impact runnability of complex tissue parent rolls (jumbo reel/soft roll) and the adjustments required to run TAD or other advanced structured tissue technologies. 

Let the training instructors know what you need to learn!  
A pre-course survey will be distributed to attendees so that they can share their questions or problems for real world solutions during the course.

What's Planned on the Agenda:

• Basic understanding of raw material (tissue reel) properties
• Basic understanding of each major roll converting sub process
• How sheet variability impacts each converting sub process
• Impact of each converting sub process on the final product
• Awareness of the safety hazards present in typical converting lines
• Efficiency of operations
  • How to improve productivity
  • Evaluating good performance (percentage of waste) in converting
  • How to achieve excellent performance
  • Why and how each component contributes to efficiency

Included with your course registration are light breakfast snacks and breaks each day, and lunches on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Please note:  Course Seating is Limited
In order to provide the greatest benefit from discussions and demonstrations, attendance is limited to 20 people for this course. This seating cap ensures the class can be advantageously divided into smaller groups for the hands-on sessions taking place on the working web pilot line.

Stay Ahead of the Curve!
Instructor and Course Chair, Bruce Janda, wrote an article about tissue converting and the unique opportunities and challenges facing the industry.  

Click here to read "Don't Overlook Tissue Converting." (PDF File)  This article was originally published in TAPPI's Ahead of the Curve newsletter.

Bruce W. Janda, ResourceWise - Retired
Co-founder and Principal of InnovaSpec, LLC

Bruce Janda is a TAPPI Fellow leading tissue training courses. He brings nearly 50 years of experience in the paper and nonwoven industry, specializing in Tissue and Towel Processes and Products. 

Bruce held positions in the tissue industry at Georgia-Pacific, Kimberly-Clark, and others, with roles in Product Development, Engineering, and Manufacturing.  He worked on the supplier side at AstenJohnson as the Product Manager for TAD and Forming Fabrics and then as the North American Product Business Leader and Global Innovation Leader for Forming. Bruce worked for ResourceWise as a Business Information Consultant, helping customers make the best use of the FisherSolve® Next platform.

Bruce has extensive application experience in world-class, high-speed tissue and TAD machines in North America and Europe, both as a producer and supplier.  He had the opportunity to participate in three new tissue machine projects as a process design leader, construction supervisor, and checkout/start-up leader. As a tissue product design leader, Bruce has worked on tissue projects in North America and Europe's consumer and commercial tissue grades.

Bruce holds a BS in Chemical Engineering from Michigan Technological University and is a member of the MTU Distinguished Academy of Chemical Engineering. He also holds an MBA from the University of Wisconsin—Oshkosh, an Executive Scholar Certificate from the Kellogg School of Northwestern University, and a Lean Sigma Black Belt Certification (focus on product development) from AstenJohnson. He holds 20 US patents, all related to tissue and papermaking. 

Valmet Converting Faculty

Melanie Roy is a data driven Senior Service Specialist at Valmet Paper Business Line, bringing over 20 years of hands-on experience in the manufacturing process, product development, and troubleshooting of tissue papermaking and converting. Known for her innovative solutions and unwavering dedication, Melanie has a knack for tackling complex challenges and delivering exceptional results. Her expertise and passion make her an invaluable asset to the team and the industry.​

Michael Beno is an experienced mechanical technician who began his career in 2016, building converting machines. Over the years, he transitioned to the Valmet Process Team, where he plays a pivotal role in pilot line trials, with a primary focus on embossing and product development. Mike has successfully led multiple pilot line trials that resulted in significant product enhancements and efficiency improvements. His expertise extends to customer facilities, where he conducts factory trials, product qualifications, equipment audits, and develops equipment efficiency improvement plans.

Jeremy Hoecherl is an experienced Paper Converting Trainer with over 17 years in the industry. Specializing in the development and implementation of comprehensive training programs, Jeremy has a proven track record of enhancing operational efficiency and ensuring compliance with industry standards. With a strong background in both technical and mechanical maintenance roles, Jeremy excels at bridging the gap between production teams and management. His expertise also includes process optimization, safety protocols, and continuous improvement initiatives. Passionate about fostering a culture of learning and development, Jeremy is dedicated to empowering employees with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in a dynamic and competitive environment.

Matthew Wolosek has over 24 years of experience in the North American tissue converting equipment industry. Starting as a mechanical service technician, he moved to the training department in 2020.  Matt's expertise spans machine installations, commissioning of new equipment, technical upgrades, preventative maintenance, rebuilds/repairs, and operational/maintenance training. Currently, he is a member of the Process Team, focused on optimizing asset efficiencies.

Steve Francies is a folded product specialist at Valmet Tissue Converting North America.  He has over 30 years of experience in the tissue industry, primarily in the folded sector.  Prior to joining Korber, he spent 10 years developing folders for Green Bay Engineering.  With Valmet he has operated within several roles, such as service technician, production lead, trainer, project manager and product specialist with sales.   

Sean Doran, Course Co-Chair

Sean Doran is a seasoned Project Manager and Technical Service Specialist in the Valmet Paper Business Line, bringing over three decades of experience in the paper converting and manufacturing industry. Known for his exceptional customer service skills, Sean has adeptly supported various OEM's equipment and suppliers from operations and maintenance perspectives. His comprehensive understanding of the converting process highlights his expertise and commitment to industry excellence.

Additional Faculty

Stephen Kasik
Technical Sales, Osprey Corporation,  Atlanta, GA

Stephen Kasik graduated from Southern Polytechnic University in 2009 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology, and then began his engineering career with FLIR before moving on to Zep Inc.

In 2014, Stephen joined Osprey Corporation in Atlanta, GA where he worked as a project engineer for the company. While in his engineering role with Osprey, Stephen’s responsibilities included equipment design, process air surveys, technical training, and project management of process air systems.  At the beginning of 2020, Stephen was pulled into a technical sales role with Osprey to focus on strategic accounts in the Soft Disposable, Tissue/Corrugated, and Agriculture sectors. Over the past two years, his intimate technical knowledge has driven the successful execution of key projects from concept to implementation.

Stephen is a subject leader in process air systems with a key focus on those involving combustible dusts. His deep understanding of the capital equipment and production challenges involved have proven to be a valuable resource for Osprey’s clients and the industries it serves.

Joe Daugherty
Tissue Product Specialist, TKM

Joe started his industrial career with machine builder Hanchett Manufacture a division of Mid-West Abrasives where he gained extensive knowledge in grinding dynamics and abrasive applications.  It is this knowledge that he brings to the tissue paper industry applying it to the log saw blade sharpening process. 

Joe joined TKM after a 25-year association with Alliance Knife Inc., having served as Vice President and Sales Manager. Since coming to TKM, Joe has travel extensively applying his mechanical and grinding knowledge to help reinvent how log saw blade sharpening is viewed.  He has spent the last several years evaluating and testing CBN grinding wheel formulations and geometry helping to bring new ideas to a very old process. 

Joe holds degrees in Mechanical Drafting and Design from Pitt Technical Institute along with a Bachelors of Business Administration and Associates in Child Psychology from Kent State University.  Joe has serviced the industrial knife industry for 34 years and has extensive experience in cutting materials ranging from diamond steel plate to poultry.

Kris Pignone - Henkel

Tuesday, May 20, 2025  

8:00 - 8:30 am
Course Introduction and Expectations

8:30 - 10:00 am
Tissue Basics - Bruce Janda

10:00 – 10:15 
Break

10:15 - 10:45 am
Converting Line Layout - Valmet           

10:45 - 11:00 am
Break

11:00 - 11:30 am
Machine Safety -  Valmet  

11:30 am - 12:30 pm
Rewinding Converting Technology - Valmet

12:30 - 1:15 pm
Lunch

1:15 - 2:15 pm
Embossing, Roll covers and Technology – Part 1 - Valmet 

2:15 - 3:15 pm
Embossing, Roll covers and Technology – Part 2 - Valmet

3:15 - 3:30 pm
Break

3:30 - 4:30 pm
Dust System Design & System Optimization - TBD (Osprey)

4:30 pm
Wrap Up and Review

Wednesday, May 21, 2025

8:00 - 8:15 am
Agenda Review

8:15 - 9:30 am 
Ply Bonding Methods - Valmet

9:30 – 9:45 am
Break

9:45 - 11:00 am
Pilot Line Demonstration Embossing /Winding - Part 1 - Valmet
Pivot Lab Quality Testing - Part 1

11:00 - 11:15 am
Break

11:15 am - 12:30 pm
Pilot Line Demonstration Embossing /Winding - Part 2 - Valmet
Pivot Lab Quality Testing - Part 2

12:30 - 1:15 pm
Lunch

1:15 - 2:00 pm                                                                                       
Blades - TKM

2:15 - 3:15 pm                                                                                       
Adhesives - Henkel or HB Fuller

3:15 - 3:30 pm                                                                                                      
Break

3:30 - 4:30 pm                                                                                                      
Fold Converting Technology - Valmet

4:30 pm
Wrap Up and Review

Thursday, May 22, 2025

8:00 - 8:15 am
Agenda Review

8:15 - 10:00 am
Tension Control, Web Handling and Quality troubleshooting - Valmet              

10:00 - 10:15 am
Break 

10:15 - 11:15 am
Converting Operations Digital Transformation - Valmet

11:15 - 11:45 am
Wrap Up and Review 

11:45 am
Evaluation

Instructors for this session will be:

• Michael Beno – Process Mechanical - Valmet
• Melanie Roy – Process Lead -Valmet
• Jeremy Hoecherl – Lead Trainer - Valmet
• Matthew Wolosek – Trainer - Valmet
• Steve Francies – Folded Converting Expert - Valmet
• Sean Doran – Course Co-Chair - Valmet
• Scott Hansen – Course Co-chair - Valmet
• Bruce Janda – Course Co-chair - InnovaSpec
• TBD (Stephen Kasik) - Osprey
• TBD (Jim Bryski or Randy Slezewsk) -Henkel or HB Fuller
• TBD (Joe Daugherty) -TKM

Payment Policy
TAPPI requires that all registration fees are paid in full prior to the start of the course. Attendees paying by check will be registered for the course only after the payment has been received.

Cancellation Policy:

If you find that you have to cancel, your full registration fee will be refunded if TAPPI’s Registration Department receives written notification (fax acceptable at 678-341-3099) by April 21st, 2025. 

Please note: There will be a 50% refund for all written cancellations made after April 21, 2025 but no later than 5 business days prior to the start of the conference (one week prior cut-off date). 

Understandably, after this time, no refunds can be issued.  Substitutions, however, will be accepted any time without a penalty.

Refund:

• 100% - Cancellation received by April 21, 2025

• 50% - Cancellations received after April 21, 2025 and no later than May 13, 2025

• NO REFUND - Cancellations received after May 13, 2025

Training Venue
Valmet, Green Bay, WI
3060 South Ridge Rd.
Green Bay, WI, 54304, USA

HOTELS NEARBY

Country Inn Hotel
www.countryinns.com
Phone:  920-336-6600
2945 Allied Street
Green Bay, WI 54304

Hilton Garden Inn
www.gardeninn.hilton.com
Phone:  920-405-0400
1015 Lombardi Avenue
Green Bay, WI 54304

Radisson Hotel
www.radisson.com
Phone:  920-494-7300
2040 Airport Drive
Green Bay, WI 54313

Aloft Hotel
www.aloftgreenbay.com
Phone: 920-884-0800
465 Pilgrim Way
Green Bay, WI 54304

Springhill Suites
www.marriott.com
Phone:  920-569-8500
1011 Tony Canadeo Run
Green Bay, WI 54304

AIR TRAVEL

Austin Straubel International Airport
Green Bay, WI
http://www.flygrb.com/

Appleton International Airport
Appelton, WI
http://atwairport.com/
Note:  The commute from Appelton to Green Bay is about a 40-minute drive.

Airport Security Advisory
Beginning October 1, 2020, every air traveler 18 years of age and older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, state-issued enhanced driver’s license, or another acceptable form of ID to fly within the United States. Check for the star. REAL ID-compliant cards are marked with a star at the top of the card. If you’re not sure, contact your state driver’s license agency on how to obtain a REAL ID compliant card. For more information, please visit https://www.tsa.gov/real-id. 

CAR RENTAL

Avis Car Rental
http://www.avis.com
Phone: 1-800-831-8000
Avis offers special discounts off regular rates for participants. Refer to code AWD: #U226600.

TAPPI Press is known as an industry leader for publishing reliable and practical publications and training products created and peer reviewed by industry experts for professionals and students alike.  This is a great time to refresh or master new skills and restock your corporate or personal library.

TAPPI offers 15% discounted pricing on select TAPPI Press publications to course attendees when purchased with registration. 

Pick-up on-site and SAVE ON SHIPPING!

NEW! Guidelines for Safe Assessment & Operation of Yankee Dryers
Order Code:  0101R357
Special Member Price: $78.00
Special Non-member Price: $101.00

A project of the Yankee Dryer Safety & Reliability Committee, this new edition provides updated guidelines relative to steel Yankee dryers, as well as new learnings and recommendations for cast iron Yankee dryers. Its contents are categorized into Engineering and Design, Maintenance and Repair, Operating Guidelines, and Personnel Safety. If you are a Yankee Responsible Person (YRP), a municipal official that makes onsite inspections, or an insurance carrier that covers Yankee dryers, this is your must have resource.  

Guidelines for the Safe Operation of Steam Heated Paper Machine Dryers
Order Code:  0101R250
Special Member Price: $34.00
Special Non-member Price: $49.00

This is a guide to the safe operation and maintenance of steam heated paper machine dryers.. The report includes details on dryer construction, operation, and safety guidelines. It also features a glossary, a reference list, and conversion factors for SI units.  This report was prepared by the Steam Heated Dryer Subcommittee of the TAPPI Engineering Division’s Maintenance and Mechanical Engineering Committee.