Email Jim at jthompson@taii.com
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There is an old story, unverified, that in the early days General Motors had a person in the purchasing department who was charged with listening to everyone who came in with something to sell to the company. The concept was that one never knew when someone was going to walk through the door with an idea that would prove valuable to GM.
I think we should bring this back. Despite all the directories and search functions we have today, we are still missing nuggets that could make our businesses much better.
Paperitalo Publications is essentially an advertising business. One of the activities I pursue is getting around to seeing our advertising customers at least every two years. That is not very often, but, thankfully today there are many of them to be seen. When I can spend two or three hours with these folks, they can clearly articulate their value propositions. The challenge is distilling their value propositions to the amount of time available.
I think the sales/procurement function is often broken or at least inefficient. And I have a surprise for you--I am sure you think I spend a lot of time thinking about how paper mills operate. I do, but I spend at least as much time thinking about the dysfunctional sales and procurement function I find in mills.
We spend a lot of time here at Paperitalo Publications thinking about it, too. For if we could find a way to help suppliers reduce the time they need to ascertain whether or not you need and will buy their product, that could reduce prices. Look at how much time is spent in sales overhead (go back and read this column from two weeks ago). Look at how many things you buy that end up leaving you dissatisfied.
You know how to make paper. You just don't know if suppliers can help you make paper better (with higher quality, lower costs, better overall efficiency). There is a lack of communications in force, big time.
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Jim Thompson is back again...with a new book on a taboo subject: the personalities in the pulp & paper industry. Jim has written in the past on many subjects based on his four plus decades in the worldwide pulp and paper industry. This new book is packed full of information valuable to the senior member of the industry as well as the recent entrant. A must for every pulp and paper library.
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Through our products and services, we do our best to help alleviate this. We have the easiest to use supplier directory in the business. We design websites for suppliers from the point of view of actual suppliers and users, not some theoretical communications idea. We provide podcasts which allow you to listen to what suppliers and others are saying about the industry.
We wake up every day thinking about how to make the communications between suppliers and users better--quicker, lower costs, a real matchmaking service. It is a big job.
Yet we continue to work on it because it is likely one of the highest payback opportunities for the industry as a whole if we can succeed in making supplier/mill communications more efficient.
One of the top ranked questions I get when I am in mills is this: "Do you know who makes a _____?" It is amazing...nearly everyone in mills seems to be looking for a supplier of something. Yet they don't have time to listen to suppliers who bring them offerings, new offerings, clever offerings, services and products that can give them real advantages.
So, as we wrap up procurement month, I admonish you to take time to listen to those suppliers that knock on your door. They just may have the answer you have been seeking.
For safety this week, the life safety crowd keeps coming up with new and better products, too. Spend some time listening to them.
Be safe and we will talk next week.
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EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES:
* We are looking for a Production Shift Team Leader to maintain high standards, plus ensure safety policies and regulations for a company located close to Chicago's Midway Airport. If you are experienced team leader who has a four-year degree in an engineering/technical field (paper science degree preferred, and experience in recycled linerboard or corrugating medium paper mills is a plus), we are looking for someone like you! 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 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 volts). 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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