In Finland, forest industry and energy technology provider Valmet Oyj has recently announced that it will supply an extensive paper machine grade conversion rebuild for Stora Enso at its Oulu Mill in Finland. In the project, originally Valmet-supplied paper machine PM 7, which is currently producing fine papers, will be rebuilt to produce high-quality virgin-fiber-based kraftliner grades.
Stora Enso’s Oulu Mill in northern Finland currently produces wood-free coated paper and bleached softwood pulp. According to a statement, the conversion project is part of Stora Enso’s investment plan to transform to higher profitability business with grade conversion projects.
Oulu Mill will cease to produce wood-free coated papers by the end of 2020 with the start-up of the rebuilt PM 7 also scheduled for the end of 2020. The value of the order has not been disclosed.
The conversion of Oulu Mill will enable Stora Enso to further improve its position in the growing packaging business and we are taking a major step forward in our transformation, said Project Director Ari Saarnio from Stora Enso.
Valmet’s delivery will include a new world-class production line for virgin-fiber based kraftliner, both brown and white-top. All the equipment will be delivered with installation.
The 9,000-mm-wide (wire) PM 7 will be producing kraftliner and white top liner grades with a basis weight range of 80-225 g/m2. The design speed of the new parts will be 1,300 m/min.
The annual capacity will be 450 000 tonnes.
Valmet and Stora Enso have had long and successful cooperation over the years at all of Stora Enso’s mills. Our strong experience in complicated projects and grade conversions is essential for this project. It is also an advantage that the paper machine was originally supplied by Valmet in 1997. It will smoothen the project execution further. The selected technology will enable high end-product quality and production capacity in a sustainable way, said Jari Vähäpesola, President of Paper Business Line, Valmet.
