Mauston High School students listen in during tour of Domtar’s Nekoosa Mill.
By Jenny Havlovic — Human Resources Manager
In October, Domtar’s Nekoosa Mill welcomed high school students and community visitors for a firsthand look at papermaking during Wisconsin Forest Products Week.
The groups joined Domtar Nekoosa employees on Oct. 20 to learn more about the mill, its products and the people who make them. Eighteen students from Mauston High School, along with their chaperones, joined the first tour. Eight individuals representing several organizations, including the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, made up the second tour group.
Wisconsin Forest Products Week is a statewide celebration that gives students, community members and industry professionals a chance to learn about forestry and manufacturing. Domtar was among the many Wisconsin businesses and organizations that opened their doors to landowners, natural resource professionals and students.
Nekoosa Mill employees Joe Kies, wood procurement senior buyer; Jim Honkomp, assistant superintendent N4; and Alex Tomlinson, mechanical/reliability co-op, assisted with the tours.
Steve Hetze, machine tender N4, taught the students about the technology that supports the papermaking process, generating significant curiosity and excitement among participants.