TAPPI Welcomes New Instructor Alexandre Laplante to the Paper Machine Operations Course Faculty

 

TAPPI is excited to announce that Alexandre Laplante, Product Manager at Albany International, will join the instructor team for the Paper Machine Operations Course, taking place September 23–25, 2025 in Peachtree Corners (Atlanta), GA.

 

Alexandre brings more than 20 years of paper industry experience to this program, with a career dedicated to drying technology and optimization. After earning his B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Sherbrooke University and a degree in Pulp & Paper Technology from Trois-Rivières College in Canada, Alexandre has held key roles in dryer fabric design, process engineering, and troubleshooting across North America and Asia. His global experience includes supporting numerous new machine startups in China and training engineers on dryer section applications. Today, he serves as Product Manager for drying products in the Canadian and U.S. markets, where he continues to specialize in dryer audits, optimization, and training.

 

As the newest instructor, Alexandre adds fresh expertise and perspective to an already distinguished faculty that represents decades of operational and technical knowledge.

 

 

Alexandre will be teaching alongside a team of respected experts who have shaped papermaking performance across the globe:

A TAPPI Fellow with more than 40 years in paper machine operations, Tom has held leadership roles with International Paper, Georgia Pacific, Domtar, and Nalco Chemical. Today, he provides consulting and training through his firm, Tom Rodencal & Associates. A past TAPPI Board Director and recipient of the TAPPI Distinguished Service Award, Tom is recognized worldwide as an authority in paper machine diagnostics and troubleshooting.

With a degree in Paper Manufacturing from the Munich University of Applied Sciences, Michael has led press section optimization for Albany International customers across the U.S. and Canada for over a decade. His career also includes production management at one of Europe’s largest recycled fiber mills, where he oversaw process improvements and major startups.

Kevin holds a B.S. in Chemical Engineering and has more than 25 years of industry experience. He began his career in mill operations at Kimberly-Clark before moving to Albany International, where he now serves as Director of Forming Applications for the Americas, specializing in forming section optimization across all product grades.

With over 30 years in the pulp and paper industry, John is Director of Dryer Fabric Applications for the Americas Corridor at Albany International. His extensive field experience spans forming, press, and dryer fabric sales and service, as well as vibration and pulsation analysis for predictive maintenance.

A TAPPI Fellow and licensed Professional Engineer, John has surveyed and analyzed hundreds of paper and tissue machines during his career. With deep expertise in vacuum, water, cleaning, and fabric systems, he is also an inventor holding six U.S. patents and a frequent presenter for TAPPI and other industry organizations.

 

The Paper Machine Operations Course stands apart because of its exceptional faculty. Participants don’t just learn theory, they gain practical, unbiased insights from professionals who have collectively trained thousands of operators, audited hundreds of machines, and pioneered innovations in machine performance.

 

With the addition of Alexandre Laplante, the 2025 course offers an even stronger balance of seasoned experience and global perspective, ensuring participants walk away with the tools and confidence to improve operations, troubleshoot effectively, and maximize product quality.