Valmet has secured a contract to supply a vast grade conversion rebuild with a wide scope of automation for Sappi Lanaken Mill located in Belgium.

The mill produces pulp and fine coated papers.

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As part of the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) project, the mill’s paper machine 8 (PM8) will be rebuilt to produce lightweight and quality woodfree coated paper grades along with its current production of lightweight coated (LWC) paper grades.

The upgraded machine is expected to start operations in 2019.

Valmet Central Europe sales vice-president Robert Mohr said: “In addition to this new, extensive rebuild for Lanaken, five other major ongoing or already started-up projects for Sappi are Valmet-supplied (Sappi Maastricht 2018, Sappi Sommerset 2018, Sappi Kirkniemi 2016, Sappi Gratkorn 2014 and Sappi Alfeld 2013).”

“The value of an order of similar type is around €60m to €80m.”

Under the contract, Valmet will deliver modifications to stock preparation and pulp bale de-wiring system, paper machine, air systems along with major improvements in the automation systems.

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Within the paper machine modifications, the company will rebuild the forming section, press section, dryer section and coating section, a new sizer, calendar, and reel, and will relocate the re-reeler.

The scope of automation delivery will include quality management system, machine and process control systems along with web inspection system.

Following the installation, PM 8 will produce lightweight coated paper grades in the dimensional weight of 115g/m².

The deal’s financial terms have not been disclosed, however, the value of an order of similar type is around €60m to €80m.

Sappi Europe manufactures and supplies coated fine paper, packaging and specialty papers. In Europe, the company operates seven mills.

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