Featured Member: Sven Girschner

Made in USA Last update 2021/07/15


Sven Girschner - AFT Process & Equipment Specialist

Meet Sven Girschner, AFT process and equipment solutions specialist. A graduate of Michigan Technological University with an MS in Wood and Fiber Utilization, Sven has three decades of pulp and paper experience, working for both equipment and chemical suppliers. In 2002, he joined AFT as an Applications Manager for screening technology, and he is now the Regional Manager - Americas for Capital Products.

Describe your approach to work and what aspect you enjoy most:

I approach every project thinking “What would I do if this were my mill and my money?”.  Research and fact finding about what a customer needs are my starting point. Sometimes what customers think they want will not address their true issue – and often their problem can be resolved without having to buy as much equipment as they anticipated.  I help mills make the best use of existing resources to achieve their goals. Once a system is up and running in an optimized way, I enjoy seeing it work and giving our customer the results they want. 

How is the P&P industry changing and what do you find most challenging?

Management by spreadsheet, “how much does it cost right now?”, can be the norm these days. The importance of quality, service and long-term issues are often overlooked. Our challenge is to demonstrate the added value of our products in terms of their benefits and return on investment – a key part of every project we undertake.

How does AFT fit in today’s market?

AFT fits well with a market in need of outside technical knowledge and expert service.  The extensive level of support we offer customers both pre- and post-sales - such as SimAudit process modelling, equipment evaluations, installation and start-up supervision - creates long-term successful partnerships.

The biggest take away for me, and what makes me most proud to work for AFT, is never walking away from a customer or a problem. We do what it takes to make things right.  Often, we help the customer fix issues that are well beyond our products.

Tell us about your background and personal interests

My parents came to the US from Berlin and Latvia so I learned to speak German before English.  I grew up in Clarkston, MI with old country traditions and principles. We had a few horses and a large garden, so something always needed tending or to be fixed. I learned mechanical skills from my father who was a skilled pattern maker.  I enjoy woodworking in my free time.

AFT process and equipment solution specialist Sven Girschner