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PAPER INDUSTRY TECHNICAL ASSOCIATION

Details: Published: 17 October 2016

AXCHEM

Head Office Address

Waindyke Way
Normanton
WF6 1TF

Click Here to see us on Google Maps

Head Office Contact Details

T: +44 (0)1924 894637
E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

AXCHEM - Technical Expertise that is big enough to cope and personal enough to care

Axchem Group is a private company, with headquarters in the United States, whose core business focus is polymer chemistry. Axchem UK is the local group representative for the United Kingdom, which offers the broadest and most innovative portfolio of polymers to the paper industry, coupled with the best technical
paper specialists, engineering support and R&D facilities. Axchem UK is a compelling and new alternative, a world class supplier that is expanding its resources to support your future.

Our collaboration with one of the world’s leading advanced polymer producers, which includes access to a well-equipped research centre, enables Axchem UK to propose the right value proposition for you. In addition to extensive technical support resources (both in the UK and mainland Europe) we can call upon external expertise (both outside of the UK and outside of the Paper Industry) in order to solve particularly complex problems. All of this is backed with our dedication to exceptional service - we combine local care with global support.

Axchem Products

The trend in the paper industry is to reduce raw material costs, lower water consumption, reduce energy and maintain the mechanical strength properties of the paper, all whilst making the paper at higher production rates. This is only achievable by using sophisticated chemistry, such as the following products from our range:
• AXFLOC : flocculation and retention aids
• AXFIX : coagulants
• AXSTRENGTH : additives to increase mechanical properties
• AXPERSE : dispersants
• AXSIZE : sizing additives (ASA and AKD)
• AXFOAM : defoamer products

Additionally, we can provide Dyes; FWAs; Biocides; Cleaners / Felt Washers; Bentonites; and Colloidal Silica, making Axchem UK a ‘one stop shop’ for all your chemical needs.

Axchem Facilities

It is fair to suggest that paper makers are becoming risk adverse to trials unless there can be a compelling argument. As a first step to assessing whether a change in chemical regime will be effective, Axchem UK has invested in a bench-scale dynamic sheet former, which gives far better reproducibility and repeatability, and better correlation to pilot- and production-scale machinery, than traditional laboratory sheet forming apparatus.

The ‘AxForm’ Dynamic Sheet Former allows simulation of paper machine speeds up to 1300m/min, and features automated chemical dosage control. It produces a sheet 200mm CD x 850mm MD, with
basis weight in the range 40 to 200 gsm. Moreover, multi-layer sheets can be formed due to the jet nozzle.
In addition, the jet nozzle can control and reproduce the shear and hydrodynamic forces on any machine creating a simulation of fibre orientation. The paper is then consolidated on the combined press and drier,
after which it can be tested for both cross direction and machine direction properties

Articles & Press Releases published by Axcham

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Key Contacts for Axchem

	Stuart Thomas T: +44 (0)7768 804792 E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Stuart Thomas Stuart Thomas is the General Manager of Axchem UK, having set up the operation from the beginning. He has 36 years of experience in papermaking and paper chemicals supply to the Paper Industry, which commenced with Reed Paper and Board at the Sun Paper Mill as a Laboratory Technician. In 1986 he completed studies at the University of Central Lancashire in Physical Sciences and Advanced Analytical Techniques. After some time at Star Paper Mill, he left to work with Roe Lee Chemicals / Raisio Chemicals, ABB Automation, and latterly Ciba Specialty Chemicals. In particular he specialises in chemical effects on papermaking process, quality and end user properties, and has a consistent track record of contributing to process improvement benefits, chemistry effects, process control, project management to lever customer improvements in energy use, reduced environmental impacts and quality improvements. Today he manages the following highly knowledgeable team of staff in addition to subcontractors and project companies.
	Christian Ziemer Christian Ziemer has over 25 years’ experience in the Paper Industry. His main expertise is in OBAs, OBA quencher, dyestuffs and Yankee cylinder coatings, gained from experience with other chemical suppliers. Chris joined Axchem UK in 2016 with a view to developing business in new product areas. In his spare time he enjoys weekend breaks away, fine dining with friends and is a regular at live music concerts.
	David Newton David Newton obtained a BSc in Chemistry and Metallurgy at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne. He is an experienced professional with a successful record that includes sales into the Paper Industry, with emphasis on sales management and team building; David also has extensive experience at building customer confidence and relationships. His detailed technical knowledge includes biocides and general process chemicals together with specialist utilities treatments. In his spare time he enjoys watching most sports, particularly football and cricket, and is a keen music fan who attends regular concerts and local live music events.
	Anthony Thomas-Fisher Anthony Thomas-Fisher started, age 16, in the Technical Department at Reed Paper and Board Hollins Paper Mill, Darwen. His work included the roles of managing the chemical stores, Technical Assistant, Senior Technical Assistant and Effluent Plant Manager. From 2010 until the mill closure in 2012 he was the Assistant Production Manager, after which he worked as a Technical Representative for another chemical company before joining Axchem UK. He is a keen BMX and MTB4 cross racer, attaining a few titles in the veteran class over the last few years, and also enjoys spending time with my family.
	Martin Croft Martin Croft has twenty years’ experience in the Paper Industry. He spent his first eight years in Gravure printing, then moved to paper manufacturing as part of the technical team at DS Smith Hollins Mill in Darwen, before joining Axchem UK in 2012. Areas of expertise include: wet end chemistry analysis and evaluation; make-down and dosing equipment setup; calibration and maintenance. His hobbies and interests include riding his motorcycle, archery, rock music, supporting his football team, and generally spending any free time with his wife and three sons.
	Ralph Maguire Ralph Maguire has been in the Paper Industry since starting at the Creams Paper Mill in 1984, working as a Winder Assistant, QC Tester, Process Technician and finally as Mill Chemist. Educational opportunities at the mill enabled him to obtain C&G qualifications in papermaking, which led to a BSc in Chemistry from Salford University. After the closure of Creams he joined DS Smith at Hollins Paper Mill, Darwen, as a Machine Assistant and Quality Supervisor, and has worked at Axchem UK
	Marcus Philpott Marcus Philpott joined ICI agrochemicals in 1990, working as an analyst in various roles, which he combined with studying Chemistry at the University of Greenwich. Following closure of the site he worked for Pfizer pharmaceuticals in Sandwich, mainly as analytical support to the effluent treatment plant. He then joined DS Smith at Kemsley mill, working initially within the Technical Department on cost reduction projects. Latterly he became a chemical company representative at the Northfleet, Aylesford and Kemsley mill sites, before joining Axchem UK to become their presence at Kemsley Mill. To relax he enjoys reading and doing a bit of hobby programming.