Photo by Eric Hatch
French Paper Co. makes me proud to be a Michigander. Not only do they have the most attractive promotional pieces, but in addition to that, they also make ridiculously great quality paper—AND they are located a mere 78-some miles away in Niles, Michigan.
Recently, the TIG print creative team, had the privilege of spending an afternoon with sixth generation French-man, Brian French, and toured the mill.
The experience was both educational and inspiring. Some things I learned:
- All paper is manufactured with 100% hydroelectric energy (from the St. Joe River)
- Big machines=big rolls of paper.
- The first to produce a recycled content sheet with flecks.
- The first to create an animal-friendly parchment paper
- On days they make black paper, they literally sweep the mill floor into the vat that holds the pulp/recycled content.
- Love custom orders—have made papers from golf course grass, orange peel shavings, wood chips and human hair.
- The mill is very dark and loud—I am very appreciative of the dedicated men and women who work in the mill.
- Just kidding about the human hair ;)
For a much more interesting report from our French Paper Co. tour, check out the photos our copywriter/resident actor, Eric Hatch, posted on Flickr.