Domtar’s Nekoosa Mill is ramping up its safety infrastructure and community partnerships as part of a comprehensive 2026 initiative to improve emergency response and facility-wide preparedness.
On April 6, the mill hosted 23 members of the Nekoosa Fire Department for an intensive on-site training session. The collaboration provided local emergency crews with a behind-the-scenes look at the facility’s complex layout, ensuring that if a crisis occurs, the response will be seamless and efficient.
The training also included a detailed facility tour and a scenario-based drill.
According to Jonathan Tschudy, safety manager at the Nekoosa Mill, the exercise was vital for orienting outside agencies to the mill’s specific logistical needs.
“This was an excellent opportunity to familiarize fire department members with our ambulance entrances and the specific navigation required to move through the mill during an emergency,” Tschudy said.
Because many Nekoosa Fire Department members also serve as medical first responders, the curriculum was dual-purposed, covering both fire suppression tactics and emergency medical services (EMS) coordination.
Expanding Internal Expertise
The partnership with local authorities is just one pillar of the mill’s safety strategy for the year. Throughout March and April, the facility hosted specialized Confined Space Rescue training. Ten employees completed the rigorous program, earning certifications as Confined Space Rescue Technicians.
These technicians are now equipped to handle high-stakes rescues in restricted areas, a critical skill set in an industrial environment where maintenance often requires entering tanks, vessels or silos.
Building a Medical Response Team
Looking ahead, the mill is focused on growing its internal medical response program. Tschudy indicated the facility is actively seeking employees interested in joining a dedicated medical response team. This internal group will serve as the first line of defense, providing immediate care to colleagues before external EMS arrives.
“We encourage individuals to join Nekoosa’s Medical Response Team to participate in these important trainings and stay informed,” Tschudy commented.
The safety push will continue through the remainder of the year with a planned full-scale evacuation drill. The exercise will test the mill’s communication systems and the ability of the workforce to exit the facility safely and orderly.