Three companies were asked to bid the field machining repairs to New Page Biron Mill’s 78 Super Calendar. Two companies declined to bid – Field System Machining bid the work and completed the project in May 2011, completing one half-shift early of our quoted nine shift completion time.
Here is the question and answer session follow-up to FSM’s repair.
FSM: How long was the project contemplated?
New Page: Project was scheduled for nine shifts around the clock, and we successfully completed it in eight and a half shifts.
FSM: How many companies bid the work?
New Page: FSM was the only bid we entertained; though we did solicit two other companies, they both responded with no-bids.
FSM: Have any of your mills completed this type of Super Calendar repair in the past?
New Page: None.
FSM: How long has the Super Calendar been in service?
New Page: Since 1957. It has had several capital improvements over the years, basically the only area left untouched was the main structure.
FSM: How has the repair improved production volume, reliability and longevity?
New Page: Volume? Too early to tell but we are seeing much better runnability, sheet draws, windups, tension control and less noise.
Reliability? Our fiber roll cycle will improve considerably, the sheet runs much straighter and our loading is much more equal.
Longevity? It’s early but if the improvements are substantial we may consider doing this to our mating Super Calendar.
FSM: What was learned from the project?
New Page: Anything can be done!
FSM: What would be done differently?
New Page: More documentation up front to confirm each party’s involvement. We would have designed the new ways to be thinner if we had understood the machining capabilities a little better to minimize the time required to do the machining.
FSM: Would you recommend us to other paper mills?
New Page: Yes.