There is no such thing as retirement for an industry legend like Duane Smith. After 47 accomplished years, Smith recently announced he’ll be transitioning into a part-time role from his current position of process manager, web handling and specialty winding at Davis-Standard. Even with a reduced schedule, Smith will continue to support Davis-Standard’s technical leadership, deliver technical presentations and training classes, and continue his consulting work on web handling and winding.
“I find great joy in making new discoveries and sharing knowledge,” said Smith. “I am passionate about our industry and grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to work with so many outstanding colleagues and peers over the years.” He added, “Even though I am pulling back into semi-retirement, I look forward to continued collaboration in advancing web handling and winding techniques to improve processes.”
Smith is well known throughout the global paper, film and nonwoven industries for his technical knowledge, leadership and involvement in TAPPI (Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry). Among his most notable achievements are two winding patents, over 85 technical presentations, numerous published articles, and two books published through TAPPI Press. His second book and most substantial work is the Ultimate Roll and Web Defect Trouble Shooting Guide. He has received two TAPPI technical awards, including the coveted Rohm & Haas Prize and has been named a TAPPI Fellow by the TAPPI Board of Directors for his technical and service contributions to the industry. Smith has also been honored by the Society of Plastic Engineers (SPE) awarding him the SPE Certificate of Recognition for significant contributions made to the Society and the plastic industry.
“Duane Smith is an enthusiastic and motivated innovator who has worked tirelessly to advance web handling and winding best practices worldwide,” said Jim Murphy, Davis-Standard President and CEO. “We congratulate him on going part-time and are grateful to continue to have him as resource in the years to come. We know his work is far from finished!”
For a list of Smith’s technical papers and other informative technical resources, please visit https://davis-standard.com/resource-center. Once you are registered, you will have access to all of these materials.