Large or small, all tissue converters have to start somewhere. Deciding to pursue a tissue converting business — especially one that specializes in rolled product converting production — isn’t an undertaking to be considered lightly. Yet, it’s not one to necessarily back away from either.
To successfully launch a tissue converting startup, the key is to be methodical. Do your research. Dig into the competitive landscape, the materials, processes, and the challenges and advantages these elements provide. In addition to gaining a clear understanding of why this business decision is the right fit for you, you’ll be able to grasp which rolled product — toilet tissue or paper towels — is your best jumping off point.
Further, to put yourself in the best position to establish a viable tissue converting business, it is imperative that you invest in quality machinery and a partnership with a trusted equipment manufacturer.
The benefits are twofold. You’re ensuring long-term production line reliability and tissue converting efficiencies. You’re also leveraging the experience, innovations, and supplier networks of the equipment manufacturer. Their expertise could substantially cut the amount of legwork and trial-and-error within the beginning phases of your startup. The result? Faster, more confident entry into tissue converting.
Startup challenges and solutions for Alternative Support, Inc.
Denver-based Alternative Support, Inc., founder Martin Lawrence took this advice to heart. As an entrepreneur with a focus on helping people with emotional, learning, and developmental disabilities, he wanted a business that — like his flagship Denver-based pottery shop — could empower people with special needs. Tissue converting, specifically toilet tissue rewinding, was the answer. It was a relatively easy startup, the product is consistently in-demand, and his workforce could easily learn and handle the tissue production, packaging, and distribution.
Digging into the details, Lawrence quickly realized that he faced two major challenges: finding jumbo roll distributors to assist with materials and converting, and selecting an equipment manufacturer that was well-known, respected, and willing to help a small, fledgling company run by a team with no experience in the tissue industry.
Approaching the major equipment manufacturers seemed out of reach, yet necessary if Alternative Support was going to expand into the toilet tissue rewinding.
“During my research, the first recommendation I got from nearly everyone was Perini, largely because of rock-solid machinery and technology,” said Lawrence. “What really pushed me forward, though, was the resources Perini made available to someone in my position.”
Connecting with Account Executive Matt Kowalski was a game changer. In him, Lawrence found an experienced professional who was willing to answer questions, guide decisions, and provide access to a variety of suppliers.
Moreover, it paved the way for Lawrence to purchase equipment carrying a brand name that is held in highest esteem throughout the industry. “It’s been incredible,” he explained. “Matt is straightforward, and provided me with the details and help I needed to start. And the engineers who set up my machine — wow. What knowledge!”
The 716B rewinder advantage
With the focus on toilet paper, the 716B rewinder was the compact, no-nonsense choice for Alternative Support. While Lawrence had opportunities to purchase used 716B machines, he opted for starting with new equipment as there are long-term plans to expand into other product areas under a slow-and-steady business model.
Likewise, the intuitive nature of the rewinder aligned squarely with the organization’s needs for simple production that delivered consistent, quality results. “The 716B is simply a fabulous machine,” asserted Lawrence. “It took only three days of training for me to learn to web and produce toilet paper — and I never saw toilet paper made or touched a piece of converting equipment before. The equipment is intuitive, and we’ll grow with it — and Fabio Perini.”
The rapidly growing relationship with Alternative Support is representative of our commitment to being there for customers at all points on the converting production journey. Supporting customers of all sizes — not just the multinational organizations — is central to the our philosophy. Contact us to learn more about the expertise, service, and equipment you can count on to grow your business.
