Twin Rivers Paper Co.
donates equipment to NMCC
NORTHERN MAINE COMMUNITY COLLEGE students Jared Reed of Washburn, left, and Lance Getchell of Milford (in arc flash gear) are two of the many students in electrical and electronics related programs at NMCC that are benefiting from the recent donation of equipment by Twin Rivers Paper Co. of Madawaska. Featured in the photo between the two students is the programmable logic controller donated by Twin Rivers and the arch flash gear suit (worn by Getchell) also donated by the company.
PRESQUE ISLE – An equipment donation from the Madawaska-based operations of Twin Rivers (formerly Fraser) Paper Co. is proving to be extremely valuable to students in the electrical and electronics related programs at Northern Maine Community College.
The programmable logic controller and arc flash safety gear previously owned by Twin Rivers have a combined value of nearly $4,000. Altogether, purchase of similar new items would have cost NMCC more than $10,000.
“This donation is very much appreciated and the equipment is being put to good use,” said Charles Kelley, NMCC instructor. “Combined with a recent purchase of new software, the newer technology has greatly enhanced the hands on learning opportunities for the electrical and electronics related fields.”
According to Kelley, the gift came about as the result of a discussion at a meeting of the electrical construction and maintenance program advisory committee held at the college last fall. All of NMCC’s academic programs have such committees comprised of industry leaders, employers and representatives in the field to advise and assist with curriculum development to ensure programs remain current and that the needs of area employers are being met. More than 250 area leaders serve on the various committees for programs across campus.
Norm Cyr, electrical and instrumentation supervisor at Twin Rivers, is on the NMCC electrical advisory group and heard Kelley speak about the need for the newer equipment. Cyr went back to then-Fraser Papers and arranged for the gift.
A programmable logic controller (PLC) is a digital computer used for automation of electromechanical processes, such as control of machinery on factory assembly lines or lighting fixtures. PLCs are used in many industries and machines.
Arc flash gear is the industry standard in personal protective equipment when working in areas or in conditions that present a possible electrical hazard. The full body suit donated by Twin Rivers includes headgear and face shield, a flame retardant suit and insulated rubber gloves.
