Abba Makolin Waldron & Associates, LLC

Science. Strategy. Success!

I worked with Bob Makolin on a project to promote the use of recycled fiber in a premium product…. Because of the way he structures and manages his projects, I would have no hesitation in using Bob in other process/product related projects.

Dave Hollenberg—Director of the Paper Industry Resource Center

Testimonials

Over the last 10 or so years, I have personally worked with Bob Makolin and Bob Waldron on several projects. Throughout these programs both principals have shown creative insight and technical expertise to turn concepts rapidly into working prototypes and generate optimized process parameters and composite materials. Both the principals have demonstrated professional expertise and attention to project detail.

 

David Jackson—Senior Technical Leader

I worked with Bob Makolin on development and modifications to airlaid materials.  Bob provided his technical expertise in the areas of pulp and fiber technology, and airlaid material and process development in a way that people from all disciplines and levels in the organization could clearly understand his approach and recommended solutions. Bob took on our problems and opportunities as his own and drove the projects to a positive end result.

Shelley Rasmussen—Senior Product Developer

Rod Abba provided three weeks of on-site support, with subsequent follow-up for the start-up of a feminine hygiene production machine in Viet Nam. Despite its unfamiliar technology, Rod exceeded expectations in getting the machine running and producing saleable product well ahead of schedule and with world-class waste and delay results. The mill team enjoyed and appreciated working with Rod because he demonstrates exceptional ability to work with all of the parties involved in the project: mill personnel, vendors, contractors, etc. Rod also introduced a solid experience base and a structured, scientific approach to projects and problem solving while maintaining an immediate response, customer-first attitude.  I would gladly use Rod as a process resource in any future project at our mill.

Nguyen Anh Tuan—Operations Director, Kimberly-Clark Corp. Southeast Asia

I have received solid and meaningful information on various inquiries regarding specific process controls and operating strategies. The cost savings resulting from the recommended change made the switch highly desirable and with your assistance many of the Operators’ concerns were addressed both meaningfully and in a timely manner. There is no question that when we need consultation on both optimization and/or alterations to Paper applications, your company will remain in the forefront of our consideration.

Don Lavigne—HR/Safety Coordinator, Tembec

Bob Makolin’s years of experience and technically sound background in both paper and tissue industry makes him an excellent resource consultant. I have frequently utilized Bob’s extensive expertise and well documented research, specifically in the area of pulp treatments to enhance of physical and morphological properties of pulp. Bob’s recommendations regarding topics such as fiber bleaching, dispersion and fiber curl allowed early optimization of a new process and improved efficiencies.

 

It is not only Bob’s technical proficiency that makes him a good resource, but there are many of other traits such as leadership and systematic/logical problem solving skills that are worth noting. Bob has vision to recognize opportunities beyond the scope of an assigned problem or task.

John Roth—Engineering Technical Lead

As a research developer, I find Bob Makolin to be very professional in his approach.  His expert knowledge of fibers and tissue manufacturing led our project to deliver a superior performing consumer product at a reduced cost by using the by-product off a larger machine. Bob is enthusiastic, capable, timely and cared about the team. He prides himself in getting it right for the customer which is why I would not go anywhere else.   

Heather Sorebo—Senior Product Developer

Ted Storin—Senior Process Specialist

Airlaid within a high speed converting operation is a challenging material to convert, let alone maintaining a machine in run mode as transition from one roll to the next occurs. With both product needs and process needs to be met, Bob Makolin brought not only his fiber knowledge, but his understanding of test method development to resolve the issues of high speed splicing. Bob's knowledge of scientific methodology and ability to look at situations differently led to success in reducing the downtime due to splicing efficiency.

I’ve worked with Bob on a number of successful process development and modification projects. His expert knowledge of fibers and tissue manufacturing led one of our projects to deliver a superior performing consumer product at a reduced cost by using his conception of an enhanced material. Bob is enthusiastic, capable, prompt, discrete, and he genuinely cares about the team. He prides himself in getting it right for the customer which is why I always go to Bob first for process help.

 

Dave Nickel—Process Engineer

I was fortunate to collaborate on development of an absorbent system based on fundamentals of fiber and composite structure properties with Bob Makolin.  The project included fiber selection and composite production and conversion into the final product form.  Concerns existed related to rate of operation and final product costs.  The final product form handled the fluid better as hypothesized, did not result in a cost increase and a patent application was filed to protect the final design.  The synergy of fiber knowledge, process and composite structure that Bob had, in addition to his project management skills, was a significant contributor to the success of the project.

Candee Krautkramer—Senior Product Developer

I have worked on product development projects with Bob Makolin for over 15 years. He has always shown himself to be very professional in his approach, conduct, and results. His years of experience and technically sound background in both paper and tissue manufacturing make him particularly adept at developing processes to deliver task-specific structures. I have frequently used Bob’s expertise, leadership, and well-documented research, specifically in the area of pulp treatments, to achieve or exceed project goals. In my opinion, Bob’s friendly, knowledgeable, and energetic attitude and his bottom line focus make him the go-to resource for process engineering and materials development.

Fung Jou Chen—Technical Leader

During the course of my work interactions with Rod Abba, Bob Waldron, and Bob Makolin, they all demonstrated extensive technical knowledge and experience conducive to the research and development, operations, and sourcing / supply chain fields. One particular example of a work experience we had together involved the qualification of a new production facility built by an external vendor sourcing absorbent material to the Feminine Hygiene sector. Rod, Bob, and Bob’s abilities to direct the specialized scientific aspects of the job along with the managerial challenges associated with outsourcing impressed me. My experience working with these individuals and my knowledge of their breadth of expertise would prompt me to recommend Abba Makolin Waldron & Associates for consulting positions with your firm.

Alissa Ellingson—Research Scientist