A disconnect at the paper mill.

The article reports on the challenges encountered by the largest paper recycler Weyerhauser Co. in reducing energy costs at their Pine Hill paper mill in Alabama. Reportedly, the company was forced to convert the drive system of the chain drives from motors into individual Planetgear reducers and alternating current variable speed motors to reduce chain failures. The new system was assessed to be effective, where Weyerhauser saved about $500,000 annually in fuel, maintenance, and repair.