Boost Your Paper Machine Expertise—Learn from Industry Leaders at TAPPI’s Operations Course
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With over 150 years of experience, TAPPI’s instructors have hands-on, industry experience and are here to build your confidence and knowledge of machine operations. TAPPI’s Paper Machine Operations Course is an introductory-level class that will be held in Cincinnati, Ohio on March 18-20, 2025. This course is ideal for operators and engineers learning new areas of the process.
Early Bird Registration Ends Feb. 18!
Secure your spot by Feb. 18 to take advantage of early bird savings.
Meet the instructors who have been described as “excellent” in course evaluations:
Tom Rodencal
Course Chair, Tom Rodencal & Associates
A TAPPI Fellow and recipient of the 2017 TAPPI Distinguished Service Award, is a seasoned paper industry professional with decades of experience in process engineering, diagnostics, and corporate roles. Tom has worked for Hammermill Paper, International Paper, Georgia Pacific, Domtar, and Nalco Chemical, where he served as a senior consultant.
Michael Kaegbein
A graduate engineer in Paper Manufacturing from Munich University of Applied Sciences, has over 20 years of industry experience. For the past decade, he has been an Application Manager Press at Albany International, assisting customers in the U.S. and Canada with press section optimization, dewatering strategies, and troubleshooting.
Kevin Kroon
With a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Michigan Technological University and Kroon has over 27 years of experience in the paper industry. He spent 11 years at the Kimberly Mill in Wisconsin in roles ranging from Process Engineer to Paper Machine Superintendent, including commissioning a multi-million-dollar rebuild. For the past 16 years, he has been with Albany International, where he is currently the Director of Forming Applications for North and South America.
John Lucius
John has over 30 years of experience in the pulp and paper industry and is currently the Director of Dryer Fabric Applications for Albany International’s Americas Corridor, spanning from Canada to South America. Previously, he oversaw Dryer Fabric Applications for the Southern U.S. and has extensive expertise in Forming, Press, and Dryer Fabric sales and service. His career includes providing vibration and pulsation analysis support and gaining hands-on experience with diverse papermaking equipment and machine configurations.
John A. Neun
Kadant
A licensed Professional Engineer in New York with over 40 years of experience in the paper industry, is an engineering consultant specializing in vacuum systems, water systems, fabric cleaning, forming systems, and presses. A TAPPI Fellow and recipient of multiple TAPPI awards, he has surveyed and analyzed hundreds of paper machines to improve efficiency and holds six U.S. patents. John has held key roles at Albany International, Kadant, and Mechanical Technology Incorporated, contributing to advancements in vibration analysis, cleaning systems, and wet felt performance.
Alexandre Laplante
Albany International
With a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Sherbrooke University and a diploma in Pulp & Paper Technology, has spent his 20-year career at Albany International. Currently the Product Manager for drying products in the Canadian and U.S. markets, he has also held roles in dryer fabric design, manufacturing, and applications globally, including three years as Application Manager in Asia. Alexandre specializes in dryer section troubleshooting, optimization, and training, contributing to numerous machine startups and audits worldwide.
Don’t miss the chance to learn from these highly experienced and astounding professionals. Register by Feb. 18 to save almost $300 for TAPPI’s Paper Machine Operations Course and take the steps to dive deeper into the world of paper machines.
