Engineering students from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point got an inside look at Domtar’s Rothschild Mill during a guided tour of the site’s Biomass Cogeneration Facility (BCF) on April 25. Led by Matt Carow, operations coordinator of the BCF, the visit aimed to connect classroom learning with real-world applications in the paper and pulp industry.
“The goal was to show the students what they can do with their engineering degrees,” Carow said. “We walked through how our boiler, furnace and turbine work — giving them a firsthand look at the systems behind steam generation and power production.”
The tour began with a presentation outlining each component of the BCF — from wood receiving and storage to fuel conveyance, circulating fluidized bed furnace and steam systems. Students then toured the facility, walking through each previously discussed system to see the processes in action.
While the tour emphasized operational aspects of the facility, Carow also touched on environmental considerations and career opportunities at Domtar.
“Most of the students are studying paper science or chemical engineering, so they’re the future of papermaking,” he said. “We talked about my own path as a chemical engineer and shared the different types of engineering roles we have on site.”
The feedback from the students in attendance was overwhelmingly positive.
“They all said it was interesting and enjoyed learning about how our systems work,” Carow added.
For Domtar, hosting student tours has multiple benefits.
“It helps build awareness of who we are and what we do,” Carow said. “It positions us as a potential employer and highlights how we care for our employees, operate safely and contribute to the community through environmental responsibility and job creation.”
The tour marks the second time Carow has hosted a group from UW-Stevens Point, and he hopes the visits continue.
“These students are the future of our industry,” Carow said. “It’s important they see how their education applies in a real-world setting.”