AboutMichael Johnson Expertise I am able to answer questions concerning the packaging of rolls of paper. This include , materials used, equipement, sales/marketing information and trouble-shooting.My areas of expertise are in roll wrap, roll headers, cores, roll packaging equipment.
Experience I have been in the industry for over 30 years in varying levels of responsibility. I have worked for Sonoco Products Company, Caraustar Industries and currently for Fortifiber Corporation, where I hold the position of Paper Mill Packaging Business Unit Manager.
Organizations Technical Association of the Pulp & Paper Industry (17 years)
Paper Industry Management Association (12 years)
Publications American Papermaker
Paper Age
TAPPI Finishing & Converting Conference Proceedings
Education/Credentials A.S - Computer Sciences
B.S. - Business Management
Question I am a student at Northern Illinois University working on a group business project. We need to create our own photo paper business that acquires master mill rolls at cost and coats/converts/packages them and then brands them. How can I determine what the cost would be to purchase the master rolls and further more, how can I determine the costs of the packaging and coating chemicals? Ultimately we are supposed to mimic one of the major photo paper manufacturers out there. Any suggestions? I'm completely lost.
Answer This is more than a little out of my primary area of expertise but I'll do my best to help you a bit further along.
I'd check with Smart Papers, Hamilton, OH (http://www.smartpapers.com/) for info on base papers. My guess is you'll get a better response from a smaller manufacturer than from one of the multinationals.
Another good source would be TAPPI (Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry) at www.tappi.org. The current President of TAPPI is an old friend of mine, Larry Montague (montague@tappi.org). I'm certain he could point you toward someone on his staff that could answer some of your questions.
Another good source would be David Ashcraft at North Carolina State Paper Foundation (David Ashcraft, College of Natural Resources-Paper, (919) 515-5660.I don't have an email address for David.)
Feel free to email me directly with additional questions if I can be of help.
