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The paper machine located at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (UWSP) has been recognized as the largest and fastest student-operated machine in the world, according to the Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI).
“This type of national/international exposure for our paper science program and students is well deserved,” said Gerry Ring, chair of UWSP’s Paper Science and Engineering Department. “We’re preparing our students to handle an ever-changing global paper and pulp industry with hands-on training to give our students an edge to compete for well-paying jobs both here and abroad.”
Other universities listed in the TAPPI rankings, of the 39 pilot paper machines in the world, were the University of New York at Syracuse, University of Manchester in Great Britain, Western Michigan University, University of Maine, University of Minnesota, Auburn University, University of Washington, Miami University, and Stellenbosch University in Leverkusen, Germany. TAPPI was founded in 1915. It is the largest professional global organization serving the pulp, paper, converting, and packaging industries.
The paper machine at UWSP was built in 1962 in Washington and assembled as a research machine for then Scott Paper in Chester, Pa. In 1992 the machine was donated by Scott Paper at no cost other than to transport the machine to UWSP. It took five years to fully assemble the machine in the UWSP Science Building.
According to Gerry Ring, 252 students have had the opportunity to learn first-hand papermaking over the years.
Student coursework in paper science and engineering uses the machine, the only one designed specifically for teaching purposes in the nation. This unique laboratory facility is a significant enhancement to the learning experience for UWSP Paper Science and Engineering undergraduates.
Job placement upon graduation is excellent and 50 percent of UWSP Paper Science and Engineering alumni work in Wisconsin while the other half works in locations across the country. Several graduates of the program are now in senior management positions within the industry.