1. Chip Testing Lab Expansion
Austin Fulmer

2. 2
Introduction
• Name: Austin Fulmer
• WestRock Location: Coshocton, Ohio
• Department: Virgin Fiber Supply
• School: Auburn University
• Degree: Natural Resource Management
• Minor: Economics
• Graduation Date: May 2016
• Hometown: Gulf Shores, Alabama

3. 3
Project Overview
Purpose:
• Make accommodations to chip lab to house new Gradex
Analyzer
• Ultimately supply a consistent size paper chip to the pulp mill
• Process
• Replace outdated Chip Class® classifier with new Gradex Chip
Analyzer
• Plan, Design, Contract an addition to our existing chip analyzing
lab to accommodate new machine
• Result
• 120 square foot addition to our chip testing lab
• Estimated savings of $122,000 for fiscal year 2016

4. 4
Lessons Learned
• For each ½% increase of usable purchased fiber, savings
equal approximately $71,000 annually
• By identifying the suppliers who give highest percentage
of accepted chips, we are able to implement baseline
percentages and hold suppliers to that standard.
• Having a baseline percentage also allows us to pick
suppliers that will provide the optimal paper chip for the
lowest cost.
• Consistency is everything
• When a uniform chip size is entering the digester the pulp
mill is able to optimize production.