ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, has received an order for the delivery of process electrification at a new pulp mill to be built in South Sumatra, Indonesia. It will be the world's largest pulp mill.

ABB will deliver medium and low voltage switchgears, distribution transformers, motors, drives and project services. The drives are produced in the world's largest drive factory located in Helsinki with the project being managed by ABB's unit in Vaasa, Finland, in cooperation with ABB in Singapore.

Demand for paper products is rising steadily throughout Asia despite a highly fragmented global market. Older mills are being replaced by new, state-of-the-art facilities that deliver higher efficiency, cleaner production and improved balance between capacity and demand. The global trends are promising for the long term driven by sustainable supply chain practices, environmental regulation, urbanization and rising consumer demand in developing nations.

“ABB’s vast pulp & paper industry knowledge and project execution capabilities were important factors in winning this order. We are happy to be part of such a prestigious project and will deploy the latest technologies to maximize mill efficiency and reliability, while minimizing environmental impact,” said Veli-Matti Reinikkala, head of ABB’s Process Automation division.

ABB has decades of experience in extensive global deliveries to the pulp and paper industries. Similar projects have been carried out to customers in Asia, Africa, Australia and South America, the most recent being the Stora Enso/Arauco pulp mill in Uruguay.

The annual production capacity of the new pulp mill will be more than 2 million tons of pulp. Commercial operation will begin in 2016.