Mr. Harke, with over 27 years of experience in the nonwovens industry, is a leading authority on the production of wet laid nonwoven products. He has an in-depth knowledge of the special papermaking required to form nonwoven papers. His familiarity with the equipment and processes reinforces his ability to accurately identify problems and then to recommend the solutions to assure customer satisfaction. His diverse background based in Research and Development, installation supervision and start-up assistance makes him uniquely qualified to recommend process improvements.

Mr. Harke has successfully started-up eleven new specialty paper machines, trained their operators, supervised performance trials and recommended changes to ensure that customer expectations were met. He has recommended process systems and approved final designs. His active participation in the design, testing and startup of a new generation of one and two ply hydraulic headbox inclined wire formers was critical to its successful implementation.

Mr. Harke's experience also included the operation of the Valmet Sandy Hill research and development facility. He conducted trials for customers worldwide, for the development of new processes and proving new machine designs. His responsibilities included the transfer and interpretation of field data and lab data to project engineers and the supervision of lab technicians and mechanics in daily operations.

Mr. Harke's knowledge in nonwovens production, has led to the joint publication of several TAPPI papers related to the industry.

Education

1991 -AAS, Mechanical Technology, Adirondack Community College
1973 - Electrical Technology (70 credits) Adirondack Community College

• Paper Industry Short Courses - TAPPI
• Leadership Skills Development Course - RPI

Work History