Before there were paper towels at First Quality, there was Mickey “Mick” Shope. He joined the company’s Lock Haven facility in 2004, about 6
months before the first paper machine started. At the time, he didn’t have any papermaking experience. Now he’s one of First Quality’s most experienced
papermakers.
Mick joined the company as a paper machine operator. As the facility added more production lines, he moved up to become a distributed control system (DCS) operator and eventually, backup to the lead operator.
“I find it interesting, making paper,” he said. “I like troubleshooting, figuring things out. You’re responsible for a big machine. Before you work here, you don’t think about what goes into making paper towels and bath tissue.”
About First Quality
The First Quality Group of companies is a family-owned, diversified group of companies manufacturing, selling and distributing branded and private label absorbent hygiene, paper and packaging products into the healthcare, retail and commercial channels. First Quality is dedicated to meeting the demands of the market by providing innovative and high-quality products manufactured utilizing state-of-the-art technology. For more information, please visit www.firstquality.com
First Quality and Make Things Better are registered trademarks of First Quality Enterprises, LLC.
