Mill/Supplier Relationships: The Good, BAD and UgLy

摘要

The pulp and paper industry is absolutely dependent on its suppliers. Suppliers do most of the development on new processes and virtually all of the development on equipment. Suppliers deserve more credit and recognition than they get. One reason that suppliers don't receive their proper recognition is the "love/hate" relationship they have with some mill customers. The mill/supplier relationship is often tested during capital projects. When capital projects in the paper industry are well managed, they are very, very good. But when they are not, they can be absolutely horrid. The following article explores some of the good, the bad and the ugly aspects of mill/supplier relationships as they "play out" during capital projects.