DS Smith, a leading global manufacturer of sustainable containerboard and specialty papers, has commissioned Voith to rebuild its PM 4 at the company’s Viana site in Northern Portugal. Producing around of 400,000 tons of kraftliner and high-performance top kraftliner per year, the mill is a market leader in Southern Europe. The extensive rebuild will increase production and improve overall efficiency. Production will expand to around 428,000 tons per year with a machine design speed of 1,100 m/min. The start-up of the project is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2023.
“We are happy to realize this project together with DS Smith. Our customized solutions will lead to the desired production capacity, efficiency and quality,” says Marcos Garcia de la Torre, Managing Director Voith Paper Spain. “DS Smith benefits from Voith’s expertise, state-of-the-art technology and outstanding project efforts. The commission confirms that we, as the full-line supplier to the paper industry, are the trusted partner for rebuilds.”
The rebuild scope includes modifications to the forming section to increase capacity and performance of the paper machine. The press section will be completely renewed, including installation of a Tandem NipcoFlex press that will significantly increase the dry content after press and reduce specific steam consumption.
The transfer between press and dryer sections will be modified with state-of-the-art web transfer and tail threading technology to provide the best runability for lightweight grades. In addition, smaller modifications and upgrades in the stock preparation and approach flow line are planned. Finally, the scope of delivery includes a comprehensive fabrics package for the PM 4 start-up and subsequent supply, as well as spare parts.
About DS Smith
DS Smith is a leading provider of sustainable fiber-based packaging worldwide, supported by recycling and papermaking operations. It plays a central role in the value chain across sectors including e-commerce, fast-moving consumer goods and industrials.
Through its purpose of “Redefining Packaging for a Changing World” and its Now and Next sustainability strategy, DS Smith is committed to leading the transition to the circular economy, while delivering more circular solutions for its customers and wider society – replacing problem plastics, taking carbon out of supply chains and providing innovative recycling solutions. Its bespoke box-to-box in 14 days model, design capabilities and innovation strategy sit at the heart of this response.
Headquartered in London and a member of the FTSE 100, DS Smith operates in 34 countries employing around 30,000 people and is a Strategic Partner of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation. Its history can be traced back to the box-making businesses started in the 1940s by the Smith family.
About the Voith Group
The Voith Group is a global technology company. With its broad portfolio of systems, products, services and digital applications, Voith sets standards in the markets of energy, paper, raw materials and transport & automotive. Founded in 1867, the company today has around 21,000 employees, sales of € 4.9 billion and locations in over 60 countries worldwide and is thus one of the larger family-owned companies in Europe.
The Group Division Voith Paper is part of the Voith Group. As the full-line supplier to the paper industry, it provides the largest range of technologies, services, and products on the market, and offers paper manufacturers integrated solutions from one source. The company’s continuous stream of innovations facilitates resource-conserving production and helps customers minimize their carbon footprint. With its comprehensive automation products and leading digitalization solutions from the Papermaking 4.0 portfolio, Voith offers its customers state-of-the-art digital technologies to improve plant availability and efficiency for all sections of the production process.