Who is the T.J. Walker guy anyway?
Timothy J. Walker, President of TJWalker and Associates Inc., is an internationally recognized expert in web handling and winding processes. Does that sound impressive? Before founding his own company in 1999, Tim was a process development specialist and corporate web handling technology leader at 3M Company.

I'm a mechanical engineer (BSME Univ. of Iowa '83), so I see things from a physical perspective. I don't necessary think I wear a hat that says "converting guy". Converting is such a big industry, no one knows it all. However, I think I do have a couple of hats that say "web handling guy" and "winding guy", especially anything to do with polymer films and eliminating wrinkles and scratches. I have a small cap that says "slitting guy" that I don't usually pull out, but it comes in handy more than I expect.

In my first six years at 3M, I learned a lot working on process improvements for handling, slitting, and winding polyester films for videotape, looking at both film making, but also slitting and coating. In 1989, I moved into 3M's corporate web handling process development group, getting the chance to work with all type of webs and converting equipment. Around 1990, I started leading the 3M-internal web handling classes and eventually led 3M's strategic planning for web handling process technology.

Oklahoma State University's Web Handling Research Center (WHRC) played a key role in my theoretical understanding of web handling and winding. As 3M's WHRC representative, I learned a lot reviewing the research at OSU, talking with the web handling experts from the other WHRC sponsor companies, and attending their international web handling conferences (IWEB). In the early 90s, I co-taught their "Application Seminar on Web Handling" with Bruce Feiertag.

One more thing,I have a Master's degree in Management of Technology (MOT). This program taught me to think about how to gain a competitive business advantage through technology. I bring my MOT cap with me at all times. Technology is cool, but it's even cool when combined with profits.

Where can I see more of TJW converting stuff?
Besides keeping relative busy as an independent consultant, I write a monthly columnist for Paper, Film, & Foil Converter magazine, Web Lines, and I'm on the Technical Advisory Panel for AIMCAL (Assn. of Metalizers, Coaters, and Laminators). I've presented at many different conferences (CMM Japan 2004, CMM Chicago, IWEB, TAPPI PLACE, AIMCAL Fall Tech. Conf., and AIMCAL Summer School). Last year, I did four "webinars" for PFFC, testing the appetite for distant-base learning using the internet and teleconferencing. (I liked teaching hundreds of people while sitting at my kitchen table. I'll have to find a way to do more of these.)

I'm excited this year about two new venues. The first will be over when you read this, but I'm psyched that AIMCAL has arranged for me to present a half day seminar at CMM Chicago. Second, I've been invited by the Converting Technical Institute to present a couple two-day seminars in Tokyo and Osaka in May 2005.

Blatant Self-Promotion Section
Can you hire Tim Walker to solve your problems, help develop new processes or products, or to train your engineering, maintenance, and operations people? Absolutely, yes, please do. Please visit my corporate website, www.tjwa.com, to learn more about my services and how I may be able to help your enterprise be more profitable.

Contact Info
Timothy J. Walker, President
T. J. Walker and Associates, Inc.
164 Stonebridge Road
Saint Paul, MN 55118 USA
Office 651-686-5400?
Mobile: 651-249-1121
FAX: 866-572-3139
Email: tjwalker@tjwa.com

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