Ahlstrom Thilmany: A Legacy Mill Leading…

"Electric City"

Innovation, Teamwork, Purpose

For more than 140 years, the Thilmany Mill has helped power Kaukauna’s economy, supporting its neighbors. Generations of families have worked there. Its paper products have reached customers across the country. And its steady presence has helped grow and shape “Electric City” into the vibrant community it is today.
But the mill doesn’t look back on its legacy—it’s building for the future. Ahlstrom, a global leader in sustainable fiber-based materials, is proving that even a historic mill can lead the way in energy efficiency and environmental innovation. All with a little help from Focus on Energy and Kaukauna Utilities.

A New Chapter for a Historic Site

Originally opened in 1883, the Thilmany Mill has weathered economic shifts, volatile markets, and evolving technologies. When Ahlstrom purchased the site in 2018, it brought a bold vision: keep the mill running strong, but do it in a smarter, more sustainable way.
One of the biggest upgrades was installing a new crepe paper machine. This high-efficiency machine uses pulp made right at the mill—cutting the need for long-distance transport, reducing emissions, and streamlining the process.
“We’re proud of what this mill has meant to Kaukauna,” said Richard Peterson, Ahlstrom’s Maintenance and Engineering Manager. “But we’re even more proud of how it’s changing for the better.”

How Energy Efficiency Became a Culture

Since 2017, Ahlstrom has worked closely with Focus on Energy and Kaukauna Utilities to complete over 60 energy-saving projects. Many of these were led by Project Engineer Dave Leeder, who helped identify opportunities throughout the plant—from the lights overhead to the pumps underground.

Saving Energy Yearly

60 Projects

14.2 million kilowatt-hours of electricity — enough to power more than 1,700 Wisconsin homes.
2.5 million therms of natural gas — enough to heat nearly 3,000 homes for an entire winter.
Total energy savings equal to removing more than 4,000 cars from the road.

Key Upgrades

Full LED lighting across the site.
Smart pump systems and high-efficiency agitators.
Heat recovery systems that reuse energy instead of wasting it.
A process water reuse system that saves both gas and electricity.

And these changes aren’t just good for the planet—they’re making the plant run better. As Peterson explained, “Some years the upgrades are big. Other years, they’re smaller. But every project helps. It all adds up.”

Supporting the Community Along the Way

Ahlstrom’s leadership goes beyond the mill walls. Through its Local Community Donations Project, the company supports important causes across Northeast Wisconsin—like the New Community Shelter in Green Bay and the Miracle League, which gives children with disabilities a chance to play baseball.
Employees are encouraged to propose and lead local volunteer projects. It’s part of a company-wide belief that being sustainable also means being a good neighbor.

Looking Ahead—Together

Ahlstrom has set global climate goals: cutting emissions by 42% by 2030 and reaching net-zero by 2050. But in Kaukauna, those goals come to life through local partnerships, data-driven upgrades, and a culture of constant improvement.
With each new project, Ahlstrom is proving that energy efficiency doesn’t just belong in modern buildings. It can thrive in historic mills too—especially when innovation, teamwork, and purpose come together.