CHILDREN from a Flint primary school swapped the classroom for the factory floor during a visit to a local paper manufacturer.
The youngsters from St Mary's Catholic Primary School enjoyed a behind-the-scenes tour of the Essity mill in Oakenholt, which makes tissue used in UK toilet paper brands like Cushelle, and hand towels for customers including the NHS.
The focus of the visit was to learn more about the company's 'I Care' initiative, which encourages employees to care for customers, consumers, the environment and each other.
Learning the science of paper making. Photo: Simon Warburton
Essity site manager Lee Jones said: "Toilet paper is a product that is familiar to us all, but very few people get the opportunity to see how the manufacturing process actually works.
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"It was great to host such a keen and well-behaved group of visitors. They had the chance to see our giant paper machine in operation, meet with our apprentices and play with the technology in the mill's new development centre.
Youngsters meet Cushelle brand ambassador Kenny the Koala. Photo: Simon Warburton
"Given the need for students to make subject choices early in their school career, this was an ideal opportunity to show them how exciting manufacturing can be - and hopefully enthuse them to think about an apprenticeship with us in the future.
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"We were also able to tell them about our global 'I Care' initiative which seeks to create a safe and healthy working environment by caring for our customers, consumers, the environment and each other."
All wrapped up – toilet roll mummification. Photo: Simon Warburton
Accompanied by their teacher Iain Jones and teaching assistants Kayley White and Sue Williams, the Year 4 pupils were able to let off steam with various activities.
They took part in a drawing competition and quiz and were treated to a visit from Kenny the Koala, Essity's brand ambassador for Cushelle. The youngsters also got busy 'mummifying' four volunteers by wrapping them in toilet roll, followed by a visit from an ice cream van.
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