Rayonier Advanced Materials (RYAM) fields local middle schoolers' tough questions
Rayonier Advanced Materials (NYSE: RYAM) recently celebrated National Manufacturing Day with local middle schoolers in Fernandina Beach. Students enjoyed presentations on RYAM's operations, a "Look Around the Plant" tour and interactive "Learning Labs" about modern manufacturing with experts and engineers.
"It's so much fun to inspire the next generation of manufacturing leaders," said C.A. McDonald, general manager of RYAM's Fernandina Beach plant. "We're thankful for our partnership with Nassau County Schools and our wonderful neighbors in Fernandina Beach."
But according to McDonald, RYAM's experts and engineers had their work cut out for them this year: "The students' questions definitely kept us on our toes."
He admitted there wasn't enough time to answer every question, which is why he decided to pick three of his favorite questions and provide the answers here:
1.
What do you make at the Fernandina Plant?
That circular roll is high purity cellulose. Our process starts with a simple, renewable resource: trees. RYAM cooks wood chips to produce pulp. Once purified, our product is bleached, washed dried, pressed and finally rolled. We ship these rolls all over the world to our customers, who use the high-purity cellulose to make everyday products like tires, paint, toothpaste and more. To learn more about how RYAM makes everyday products possible, click here.
2.
What's the difference between Rayonier and Rayonier Advanced Materials?
Although both companies share a history and similar sounding names, Rayonier (NYSE: RYN) and Rayonier Advanced Materials (NYSE: RYAM) are two separate, totally independent companies,. In 2014, Rayonier separated its land resources business from its performance fibers business. The performance fibers business became known as Rayonier Advanced Materials, or RYAM. In short, think "manufacturing" when you hear RYAM and think "forests" when you hear Rayonier.
3.
I want to work at RYAM when I grow up.
How can I prepare?
The world of manufacturing offers so many exciting and challenging opportunities right here at home. Pursuing extra-curricular activities like automotive repair, electronics, woodworking or shop class, and taking coursework in Computer Science, Chemistry, Engineering and Robotics can help prepare you with the working knowledge and skills manufacturers look for in potential employees.
For more information about National Manufacturing Day,visit: