AstenJohnson University
AstenJohnson University, the premier institution dedicated to training the next generation of papermaking professionals, is proud to celebrate its 20th anniversary this year. AstenJohnson University has played a pivotal role in advancing the papermaking industry through education, training, and innovation. Since its founding, the university has become a cornerstone of papermaking expertise, shaping the future of an industry that is integral to the global economy.
Learn MorePMC Book
A second edition of the famous Paper Machine Clothing book was realized thanks to the knowledge base and teaching staff of AstenJohnson University. This book is written for papermakers, managers, engineers, professionals and students. It provides information about key papermaking topics as well as some of the latest technology available in paper machine clothing.
Order the BookCouch Pit University (CPU)
Couch Pit University (CPU) is an honorary fraternal organization limited to 100 members, with certain experience requirements (>25 years and have been Superintendent or higher), whose primary purpose is to share the “Art of Papermaking”. While over 80% of the membership are customer-manufacturing leaders, AstenJohnson is represented with five active members (Keith Kemp, Kent Hightower, Butch Yeldell, Daryl Wells) and several more “Emeritus” members.
Couch Pit members mentor and offer support to young professionals in the industry, as well as students in Pulp & Paper programs at colleges, while also granting 10 scholarships/ year.
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PMC Book Donation
North America
AstenJohnson has relationships with a number of colleges and universities worldwide, with the purpose of encouraging and investing in the next generation of papermakers. Every year dozens of students are awarded copies of our PMC textbook, the only book of its kind in our industry.
AstenJohnson’s commitment to ongoing education will continue, both at college campuses and at AstenJohnson headquarters, ensuring a bright future for the papermaking industry.
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Take Your Child to Work Day
Appleton, Wisconsin
The Appleton site has been organizing an annual “Take Your Child to Work Day” for many years. Associates bring their children or grandchildren aged 10 and older to teach them about the papermaking process. The children also get a tour of the facility and learn about what their relatives’ jobs entail.
In 2017, Kim Schiedermaver from Arnold Grummer and a Discovery Center Staff member came onsite and hosted a demonstration on papermaking with the children.
Every year, we are thrilled to see children smiling and happy during that day.
This initiative really let our associates shine seeing how much they were willing to help and support such a good cause. We even have a couple of associates working part time for Arnold Grummer to help cut our scrap fabrics for these kits.
Sarah Spalding Human Resources Team Leader, Appleton
AstenJohnson Experts Community
A platform our associates use to share their knowledge and quickly solve issues for our customers.
In 2025 the Experts Community was enhanced with a proprietary AI agent to help our associates find the information they need faster and improve customer experience.
