Employees who work closest to daily operations are often the first to spot opportunities for improvement. At Georgia-Pacific’s Toledo containerboard mill, the reliability team—responsible for keeping machinery running at peak performance—launched and carried out a project that delivered measurable value to the facility. By learning new methods, collaborating effectively, and adopting more efficient practices, the team gained industry-wide recognition for their achievements.
Recently, the Toledo reliability group received the 2025 Lube Room Challenge Award from Noria, an organization dedicated to advancing reliability through improved lubrication practices.
In manufacturing, a lubrication room serves as the hub for storing, managing, and dispensing oils, greases, and other fluids essential to machinery upkeep. Having a well-organized, safe, and easily accessible space is vital for plants that operate continuously, such as the Toledo facility. Maintaining this space falls under the reliability team’s responsibilities.
“Our lubrication storage area was crowded, disorganized, and inefficient,” said Billy Abbott, reliability supervisor. “I saw an opportunity to make improvements and was encouraged to lead the effort.”
Guided by Principle Based Management™ (PBM)—the company’s business philosophy that empowers employees to create value—the team developed and implemented an upgrade plan. They studied best practices for room design, improved material storage to prevent cross-contamination, introduced organizational tools, and enhanced cleanliness and efficiency. Along the way, team members earned certifications from the International Council for Machinery Lubrication and visited other Georgia-Pacific sites to learn from their approaches.
“After 31 years with Georgia-Pacific, I’ve seen how much lubrication practices have evolved,” said Phillip Moran, preventive maintenance technician. “Getting certified and seeing how other plants manage their lubrication rooms influenced our design. These rooms are vital—without proper lubrication, equipment downtime and safety issues quickly follow.”
Today, Toledo’s lubrication room is a model of efficiency, safety, and organization. The reliability team’s dedication was formally recognized when they received the 2025 Lube Room Challenge Award from Noria at the Reliable Plant Conference & Exhibition.
Recently, the Toledo reliability group received the 2025 Lube Room Challenge Award from Noria, an organization dedicated to advancing reliability through improved lubrication practices.
In manufacturing, a lubrication room serves as the hub for storing, managing, and dispensing oils, greases, and other fluids essential to machinery upkeep. Having a well-organized, safe, and easily accessible space is vital for plants that operate continuously, such as the Toledo facility. Maintaining this space falls under the reliability team’s responsibilities.
“Our lubrication storage area was crowded, disorganized, and inefficient,” said Billy Abbott, reliability supervisor. “I saw an opportunity to make improvements and was encouraged to lead the effort.”
Guided by Principle Based Management™ (PBM)—the company’s business philosophy that empowers employees to create value—the team developed and implemented an upgrade plan. They studied best practices for room design, improved material storage to prevent cross-contamination, introduced organizational tools, and enhanced cleanliness and efficiency. Along the way, team members earned certifications from the International Council for Machinery Lubrication and visited other Georgia-Pacific sites to learn from their approaches.
“After 31 years with Georgia-Pacific, I’ve seen how much lubrication practices have evolved,” said Phillip Moran, preventive maintenance technician. “Getting certified and seeing how other plants manage their lubrication rooms influenced our design. These rooms are vital—without proper lubrication, equipment downtime and safety issues quickly follow.”
Today, Toledo’s lubrication room is a model of efficiency, safety, and organization. The reliability team’s dedication was formally recognized when they received the 2025 Lube Room Challenge Award from Noria at the Reliable Plant Conference & Exhibition.