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There is another time-saving way to do this for some other parts.

For instance, for belt drives, an extra belt can be looped over the pulleys, out of the way, ready to install should the active one fail. This works really well in cases where there is a great deal of disassembly required to get access. If you put on the extra belt, tied back out of the way, you have reduced the disassembly/reassembly time to one half of what it could have been, since you do two belts at time.

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Save the date! The Pulp and Paper Industry Reliability and Maintenance conference, sponsored by IDCON and Andritz, will be held March 19-22, 2018 in Raleigh, North Carolina.

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Of course, the same goes for drive chains. Stretched a bit further, a spare hydraulic hose can be tied off next to an operating one, eliminating the need to make one up or look for it in stores.

This is already done to some extent with doctor blades, foil blades and so forth. They may not be on the machine, but they are usually stored close to the machine. Slitter blades are often stored in a safety cabinet near the winder (along with appropriate gloves and other PPE).

Motor couplings, or at least motor coupling inserts, are another candidate for this treatment. Placed in a sturdy bag and wired or zip-tied in location, they are handy to have when needed in a hurry.

In a few, but not all, rope runs on some machines, a second rope can be run and will need only to be put on the pulleys and the ends connected. Again, saves half the time of installing ropes, as you only have to run the ropes every other time. In this case, however, a very experienced person should examine the situation and determine if it is feasible. You don't want the extra rope to be in the way when threading up or during a break.

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Once you get into the habit of organizing matters in the ways I have described, there will need to be a bit of a change in the organization of the maintenance department. Someone needs to have the ultimate responsibility to replenish these, shall we call them, "distributed spares" as they are depleted. If you are using some sort of SKU or bar code system, this will aid in keeping the proper inventories in the proper places. The important thing is that people, policies and procedures are in place to ensure everything is where it needs to be.

For safety this week, we'll once again look at the ambulance or firetruck. These important tools are some sort of hybrid between what we are talking about here today and kitting as we talked about last week.

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EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES:

A family owned and operated corrugated packaging solutions company in Illinois is looking for an experienced Maintenance Technician to maintain production and quality by ensuring operation of machinery and mechanical equipment. Relocation and other perks are available to the right candidate who is committed to working third shift. If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Jim Thompson at: jthompson@taii.com Ph. 678-206-6010 Cell: 404-822-3412.

Are you an experienced Maintenance Mechanic and would like to work for a family owned and operated corrugated packaging solutions company that invests in the best equipment and technology? If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Jim Thompson at: jthompson@taii.com Ph. 678-206-6010 Cell: 404-822-3412.

A leading company in the corrugated solutions packaging business is looking for a experienced Electrician. The right candidate will possess the following skills: electrical; hydraulic; automatic drives (basic component machines 122 to 440 bolts). If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Jim Thompson at: jthompson@taii.com Ph. 678-206-6010 Cell: 404-822-3412.

* An expanding company is looking for a Corporate Industrial Electro-Mechanical Engineer near Allentown, PA. Relocation is available. Do you have a storied list of unique electrical and mechanical engineering skills you're ready to take to the next level? Do you envision yourself in a corporate-level leadership role that your experience finally merits? And do you relish any opportunity to troubleshoot and solve real-time problems, all while designing and installing new services and systems that will not only ensure safety, but also turn a potentially hazardous work environment into a continuously thriving one? If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Jim Thompson at: jthompson@taii.com Ph. 678-206-6010 Cell: 404-822-3412.

* An expanding company is looking for hands-on Electro Mechanical Maintenance Techs in Conyers, Georgia. Preference will be given to candidates with higher education and additional certificates or training. You must be able to work any shift. Pay is negotiable with excellent perks and benefits. Relocation assistance is available to the right candidate. If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Jim Thompson at: jthompson@taii.com Ph. 678-206-6010 Cell: 404-822-3412.

* We are a large automation company that has a line of consistency transmitters, sample valves and sheet break detectors that are marketed through a rep. network. We are seeking someone with a strong background in consistency control to facilitate start-ups, provide troubleshooting and technical advice. The individual should have experience in all major types of consistency measurement technologies (blade, rotary, microwave and optical). Knowledge of sheet break detection technology is desirable as well. Willingness to travel to paper production facilities across the US is a must. Travel & Living Expenses to be reimbursed along with an agreed upon daily per diem rate. For more information, please contact Jim Thompson at: jthompson@taii.com Ph. 678-206-6010 Cell: 404-822-3412.

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