An Accent on Innovation

On May 13, 2014, Eric Fletty and I had the opportunity to visit with one of TAPPI’s Sustaining Member companies, Kadant Inc., at its Kadant Johnson facility in Three Rivers, Mich., USA. Our hosts included Carl Howe, Wes Martz, Danielle Rohrer, and Greg Wedel.

In the photo above (l-r) are Carl Howe, Wes Martz, Larry N. Montague, Greg Wedel, and Eric Fletty. (Notice the K, N, T, and Danielle Rohrer were all camera shy in this shot...Danielle actually took the picture.)

From the original site of their Three Rivers operations to their current Vision, Mission, Strategy, and Value Statements, these folks are the "Real Deal."

For more than a century, Kadant Inc. has been a global supplier of high-value, critical components and engineered systems used in process industries worldwide. The company’s products, technologies, and services play an integral role in enhancing process efficiency, optimizing energy utilization, and maximizing productivity in resource intensive industries. Based in Westford, Mass., with revenues of $344 million in 2013 and 1,800 employees in 17 countries worldwide, Kadant serves customers in 150 countries. The company is off to a solid start with $115 million in bookings the first quarter of 2014. If you are interested, its stock is listed on the NYSE under KAI.

Fiberline systems for recovering recycled fibers and processing virgin fibers
Fluid handling systems that transfer fluid and power between fixed piping and rotating components
Roll doctoring and scraping products that clean roll surfaces to keep machines running efficiently
Cleaning and filtration systems that clean fabrics and filter and recycle process water
Wood processing systems to debark and cut logs into strands used in the production of OSB
Fiber-based granules made from papermaking byproducts for agricultural and professional turf applications.

These products are used in various industries, including paper, building and forest products, construction, corrugating, machine tool, textiles, nonwovens, flexible packaging, chemicals, converting, food and beverage, metals, and rubber and plastics.