Wausau West High School students had the opportunity to take their classroom lessons into the real world during a tour of Domtar’s Rothschild Mill. The visit was part of a semester-long effort to introduce aspiring engineers to various industries where their future skills could be applied.
Upon arrival, the 23 students and their teacher were given a detailed presentation on the Rothschild Biomass Facility. The session provided a comprehensive overview of the facility’s operations, covering topics such as boiler mechanics, heat transfer, water and steam chemistry, emissions control and the process of generating power. Students also learned about the materials used in Domtar’s paper products and how biomass is delivered and utilized.
After the presentation, students were guided through the biomass department, where they asked questions and made connections to concepts they had studied in class, such as structural supports and load-bearing beams.
Throughout the visit, Domtar staff highlighted real-world applications of engineering principles and emphasized the critical roles played by different types of engineers, including mechanical, chemical, electrical, structural, environmental and reliability engineers.
The tour also touched on Domtar’s environmental initiatives. Students learned how the facility recycles approximately 99% of its materials, minimizes landfill waste, and collaborates with partners like Borregaard and WE Energies to create sustainable processes.
“We were proud to host the students from Wausau West High School and show them how their classroom lessons translate into real-world engineering applications,” said Dave Faucett, Rothschild Mill general manager. “Young people need to see firsthand the wide range of opportunities available in industries like ours, and we hope experiences like this inspire them to pursue careers in engineering and manufacturing.”