July 15, 2026

Top 10 Priorities for Project Engineers this Summer



By Jim Thompson


  1. Electrical infrastructure capacity (many mills are nearing limits).
  2. Steam and condensate optimization.
  3. AI-ready instrumentation and data collection.
  4. Predictive maintenance systems.
  5. Energy reduction projects with under three-year payback.
  6. Water reuse and wastewater improvements.
  7. Fiber handling and recycled stock preparation.
  8. Long-lead equipment procurement planning.
  9. Cybersecurity for industrial control systems.
  10. Improving outage planning to reduce shutdown duration.


By the way, I come to mills and talk to various departments about many subjects. To arrange my custom visit to your mill, just email me at jim.thompson@ipulpmedia.com or call me at 678-206-6010.


 







Please write when we tickle your brain cells! Email jim.thompson@ipulpmedia.com