The Thilmany Kraft plant produces much needed specialty packaging such as ream wrap, steel interleaving tissue, coating bases, composite can liners, heat transfer labels, pizza labels and high barrier pouches, among others. Thilmany has a total of seven paper machines located at various locations around the country, with a combined production of over 600 tons per day. These machines are capable of manufacturing bleached and natural kraft papers in weights ranging from 10 to 100 lbs. Special converting consists of poly extrusion coating, laminating, printing and hot-melt applications.  

During our tour the teachers saw electrical engineers, chemical engineers, mechanical engineers and foresters all working together. The teachers were able to see how the mill creates steam and electricity thru co-generation, thus fulfilling other basic needs. The mill yard was low on logs when we were there because the wet weather was keeping the loggers out of the forest. A very informative stop on our tour.

International Paper - Thilmany Kraft Mill

While we were inside touring the facility one of our teachers lost her bracelet in a big stack of Swiss Miss paper rolls. It took four IP guys and a forklift to retrieve her bracelet but they did it! With much fanfare and celebration they presented it to her as some of us wondered if the productivity chart would require another category. Something along the lines of: Time Lost Retrieving Jewelry.

For more information on the amazing contributions International Paper is making toward a sustainable future go here.