Herty Materials Development Center celebrates 75th year

Gov. Deal and University leaders celebrated the rich history of Herty AMDC and the contributions it has made over the years to the forest products and pulp and paper industries while underscoring its expanded focus on the development of synthetic non-woven materials, innovative “green” technologies, biomass processing and alternative energy solutions for clients worldwide.

“We are pleased to be celebrating the 75th anniversary of Herty, an institution that has contributed much to the industrial and economic development of Georgia,” said Gov. Deal.  “Today marks a major milestone in its rich history as well as a new era of innovation that should spur further economic growth, workforce opportunities and highly skilled jobs for the region.”

The Herty Advanced Materials Development Center was established by the state of Georgia in 1938 to provide research and development support to the pulp and paper industry, and it has since become a world leader in materials research and product development. The Center is named after Dr. Charles H. Herty in recognition of his pioneering work in wood chemistry and the fundamental changes he introduced to this industry.

Dr. Herty discovered an innovative way to make quality paper and rayon fiber from the southern pine, a tree that grows abundantly in the South.  His work catalyzed the pulp and paper industry in the South and helped revive the region's economy during the Great Depression. Cultivation of southern pine conserved the slow-growing northern hardwood forests while creating a robust forest products industry in the southern United States.

Georgia Southern has a long history with Dr. Herty. Mature pine trees, located on what is now the University’s campus, were used by Herty and his associate, Frank Klarpp, to test their newly developed "cup and gutter" technique of resin collection that would forever change the forestry industry.

“We are pleased to be affiliated with Herty, an institution founded on strong science, research and innovation,” said Brooks Keel, Ph.D., Georgia Southern president. “Our strong alignment, synergies and complementary assets, strengthen our individual offerings and provide greater opportunities for both of our organizations. We expect the next 75 years to continue delivering on the successes and traditions for which Herty is renowned.”

Herty AMDC President and CEO, Alexander Koukoulas, Ph.D., paid tribute to Dr. Herty and thanked the dedicated staff, clients and industrial partners who have contributed to Herty’s success and looked toward the future. "Herty has always been about innovation, and we intend to work relentlessly, alongside our clients and partners, to build on this legacy by developing new technologies and products that will address the needs of tomorrow," said Koukoulas.

The event at Herty culminated with tours of the facility, which included the Center’s three paper machines, multi-client process development areas and the Center’s recently commissioned fully-integrated pellet line. Also on display were artwork, artifacts and memorabilia representing the history of the pulp and paper industry.

Georgia Southern University