Email Jim at jthompson@taii.com
Listen to this column in your favorite format
iTunes or MP3
Last week, I was in Norway. I wish that when I landed there, I had started counting the Tesla automobiles. I was there for a brief three days before I headed over to Finland, and I'll bet I saw two or three hundred Teslas. Certainly, I saw more than I have ever seen in the United States since they were introduced here a number of years ago. I came to find out there are great tax incentives available for Tesla owners in Norway.
When it was introduced in Norway, in 2013, the Tesla tax advantage was about $135,000, when the price of the car was $112,000. The government was paying high income individuals, who could take advantage of all the tax breaks, to take the car. Last October, the Norwegian government was talking about cutting the Tesla tax advantage, but by November, that was off the table.
Norway leads the world in electric vehicle ownership, at 28.8% (as compared to 0.9% in the United States).
And all this drives home the point that old Jim has made many times over and over: energy costs are political.
I don't care if you are talking oil, gas, coal, wood, solar, wind, thermal or any other energy source you can conjure up, they all have their proponents and detractors. It is just a matter of what is in favor at a particular time at a particular location in the world when you are talking about energy costs.
We seldom see energy costs as a pure cost of extraction and production plus overhead and profit. Energy costs nearly always have some asterisks beside their category.
****
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.
****
There was a time when this was not so. In the 1970s and early 1980s we were genuinely worried about running out of energy and doing so soon. It has now become an issue of what price and what is politically correct. In the 1970s gas stations closed at dusk and the speed limit was 55 mph. No longer.
Of course, it is the same in industrial settings as it is the retail settings I have been discussing here. We have every sort of energy generator we can think of at our pulp and paper mill locations.
So, what is a manager to do? I've cautioned in the past--do not remove an energy generating device unless it is completely worn out. It just may come back in favor.
Worse than that, though, is the problem of planning. It is difficult to plan more than a couple of years out when it comes to energy sources.
Which leaves the frustrated mill manager with one solution--use as little energy as possible. I don't care what form it is in, using less eliminates the other problems of qualifying for rebates, discounts, tax breaks and so forth.
Over the years, I have found using less energy is a never-ending exercise. One can go through a mill thoroughly one year and come back two years later and find significant savings again. We'll talk about these opportunities in coming weeks.
Speaking of energy, most of it is dangerous. Be careful around any energized sources.
Be safe and we will talk next week.
****
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 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.
________
Other interesting stories:
|
