Rob Johnson has more than 35 years of experience in the nonwovens and related products industries and is a well-known speaker and conference moderator. 

Johnson’s industry tenure started in air laid nonwovens research with Scott Paper; he then transferred to Scott Nonwovens (now PGI Nonwovens) where he held a number of equipment, process, product development, and research assignments prior to promotion to Director of Research and Development. In 1993, Johnson shifted his responsibilities into marketing, sales and business development as Director of New Business Development with PGI Nonwovens. 

Johnson formed the nonwovens consulting firm: Smith, Johnson & Associates in 1998.  The firm provides a broad range of consulting services including product development, technology assessment and analysis, intellectual property assessment, sourcing of specialty materials and converting, technology forecasting, market analysis, strategic planning, competitive intelligence and new business development.  Johnson has been awarded six patents for consulting clients during this tenure.

Throughout his career, Johnson traveled extensively to consult with customers and internal clients as well as to investigate new market and technology opportunities.  He has served as an expert witness on numerous occasions.  Johnson holds B.S. and M.S. degrees in Mechanical Engineering from Virginia Tech and is a registered professional engineer in multiple states.

Johnson is an active participant in INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry; he was Chairman of IDEA98 and IDEA2001 trade show committees.  Johnson previously served two terms as Chairman of INDA’s Technical Advisory Board.   He developed and Chaired the Vision Conference (2002-13).  In 2007 he developed INDA’s World Of Wipes Conference and chaired it through 2013.  In 2014 he developed and now teaches a two-day short course on wipes, the Wipes Academy for INDA.  

Johnson is also a member of the editorial advisory board of Nonwovens Industry magazine and his firm edited the International Nonwovens Journal for seven years and continues to serve as technical editor of Nonwovens Markets newsletter for over 20 years.