Ian Melin-Jones

Ian Melin-Jones

International pulp and paper producer Sun Paper has selected technology leader ABB to fulfil two orders for its facilities in Laos and Shandong, China. The first order comprises new drives for the company’s paper machine 1 (PM1) and paper machine 2 (PM2) at its Laos mill, while the second includes a synchronous motor, motor starting equipment, excitation protection control and process drives for chemical pulp production at its plant in Shandong, eastern China.

The first order forms part of the second phase of Sun Paper’s Laos project that includes two advanced packaging paper production lines (PM1 and PM2) with annual production capacity of 800,000 tons. ABB will provide its highly-efficient, distributed PMC800 multi-drive control system with total installed capacity of 41,000KW and more than 120 drive points for both paper machines, which are 7.3m and designed for speeds of 1200 m/minute. For the chemical pulp project in Shandong, ABB will provide two sets of 14 MW synchronous motors, medium voltage motors and a drive system.

ABB wins drives order for two different Sun Paper projects in China and LaosABB wins drives order for two different Sun Paper projects in China and Laos

For both projects, ABB’s scope of supply includes its most advanced PMC800 drive system and ABB Ability™ System 800xA distributed control system (DCS), featuring stable and easy operation, abundant information access and low maintenance requirements. ABB’s drives incorporate unique Direct Torque Control (DTC) technology, ensuring efficient production of high torque at low speeds.

“Competition for these prestigious projects was understandably fierce, but by optimizing our technical proposal and demonstrating our success with previous projects of a similar scope and scale, our China Pulp and Paper team was able to provide the best solution,” said YueMing Liu, Pulp and Paper Industry lead for China at ABB. “ABB also provided the automation solution for phase 1 of the Laos Project, which won the Modern Manufacturing 2018 Solution Excellence Award. By establishing mutual trust in multiple projects with Sun Paper, we hope to provide a solid foundation for our future relationship.”

About the Sun Paper Laos Project
Sun Paper invested in the Laos Project in response to the Belt and Road initiative promoted by the Chinese government, which encourages development along a former trade route that links China with other economies across Asia, Europe and Africa. Phase 1 of the project had a massive undertaking—a 400K ton chemical pulp project that covers the complete process of pulp production, alkaline recovery, pulp board machines, biomass furnaces, and chemicals. Phase 2 will continue to enrich Sun Paper’s product types, increase product grade, promote the product structure upgrading, greatly improve the comprehensive strength and core competitiveness to further consolidate its leading position in the paper making industry of China.

ABB (ABBN: SIX Swiss Ex) is a pioneering technology leader with a comprehensive offering for digital industries. With a history of innovation spanning more than 130 years, ABB is today a leader in digital industries with four customer-focused, globally leading businesses: Electrification, Industrial Automation, Motion, and Robotics & Discrete Automation, supported by its common ABB Ability™ digital platform. ABB’s market leading Power Grids business will be divested to Hitachi in 2020. ABB operates in more than 100 countries with about 147,000 employees.

Toscotec will showcase its efficient, paper machine rebuilding solutions at PaperWeek Canada 2020 Booth 8, from February 4 through 6, in Montreal.  

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On February 5 at 9:00 am, Fabrizio Charrier, Toscotec Paper & Board Area Sales Manager, will present “Toscotec’s dryer section rebuild: the in-depth analysis of case histories”. This presentation illustrates how TT SteelDryer and Toscotec’s beginning-to-end support ensures the successful outcome of dryer section rebuilds including the increase of production and the improvement of the sheet moisture profile. 

TT SteelDryers guarantee a superior drying rate and a long operating life. Compared with cast iron cylinders, TT SteelDryers provide up to 30% more drying capacity.  This is based on their higher heat transfer rate and wider drying face length, which dries a larger sheet width considering the same cylinder length, thereby increasing productivity. Toscotec currently counts more than 1,300 installed TT SteelDryers globally. 

Voith is adding three new products to its range of Measurement and Diagnostic Services. MobiLab is a mobile analysis laboratory to investigate and optimize stock quality on site. With the SpeedUp Certificate, Voith is examining the possibilities for paper manufacturers to operate their paper machines above the original design speed, in consideration of the machine-dynamic behavior. And 3D Scan produces high-precision digital images of the current condition of the production facilities.

As part of its Servolution range, Voith’s Measurement and Diagnostic Services are tailored specifically to the requirements of the paper industry. Plant operators benefit from the mechanical and technological expertise of a full-line supplier and service experts with more than 10 years industry experience on average. This means that Voith’s Measurement and Diagnostic Services not only ensure smooth operation but also improve the economic efficiency of the system.

“Through our Measurement and Diagnostic Services, we are offering paper manufacturers tailored solutions that are state-of-the-art,” explains Stefan Natterer, Head of Measurement and Diagnostic Service at Voith. “And we are continually adding new technologies and services like MobiLab, SpeedUp Certificate and 3D Scan to our range.”

Through its Measurement and Diagnostic Services, Voith offers customized solutions for optimizing paper production.Through its Measurement and Diagnostic Services, Voith offers customized solutions for optimizing paper production.

MobiLab – mobile laboratory to optimize stock preparation
In the event of quality and process fluctuations in the paper production process, plant operators face the challenge of identifying the triggers. Generally, this has to be determined by analyzing and evaluating a large number of stock samples. However, as only very few paper manufacturers maintain a well-equipped wet laboratory on site, large numbers of samples must be sent to designated institutes for testing. This not only involves a significant logistical effort but is generally also very time-consuming and costly. Due to the complex process necessary to preserve the samples, valuable results may be falsified or even rendered worthless.

The solution: the Voith MobiLab – a fully equipped mobile containerized wet laboratory for the analysis of typical problems in the stock preparation process, from fiber loss to issues with chemicals mixing. When trying to identify the causes, Voith experts on site can utilize all the usual analysis processes.

In addition to laboratory measurements in the MobiLab, Voith also offers the Wet End Process Analysis Package. Thanks to a combination of various measurement techniques (pressure pulsation, stock density, air content, online paper transmission and offline Tapio analysis) the basis weight stability profiles of the paper can be determined, for example. Using a paper sample database and best practices, the current status and any faults can be identified quickly and efficiently and action initiated to rectify them. In addition, the MobiLab can be used when trialing new paper grades or qualities in the course of machine tests on actual customer equipment – to get the best possible results from what are generally expensive field tests.

The Voith MobiLab is a fully equipped wet laboratory for analyzing stock samples directly on site.The Voith MobiLab is a fully equipped wet laboratory for analyzing stock samples directly on site.

SpeedUp Certificate – verifying speed increase options
In theory, the operating speed of a paper machine can be increased by installing a new, technologically improved component, and as a result the cost efficiency of the entire manufacturing process improved. But what if the original maximum design speed of the paper machine is lower than the potential speed of the new component?

With the Voith SpeedUp Certificate, companies can have an audit performed on the entire paper machine to determine whether the design of the machine components is suitable for a future operating speed that is higher than the original design speed. For example, machine dynamic limitations such as vibrations, critical speeds, drive design, condition of existing components and technological process considerations are checked as necessary. Unsuitable components are identified, and the measures required to increase the operating speed are indicated. Such measures could include, for example, the replacement of unsuitable guide rolls or adding bracing to the machine frame.

Following successful completion of a speed-up inspection by Voith, the machine gets a “Type Design Speed Certificate” that defines a new maximum design speed of the analyzed components and machine groups. This gives paper manufacturers a reliable basis to work with before they increase the production speed of their machine.

: With the 3D Scan, Voith experts on site can create a digital spatial image of a machine and its environment.: With the 3D Scan, Voith experts on site can create a digital spatial image of a machine and its environment.

3D Scan – spatial image of actual machine accurate to the millimeter
Paper mills change over time, for example as a result of upgrades and the installation of new components. Often, however, this is not documented in the design drawings, which can cause complications in the event of further rebuilds.

With the 3D Scan, the Voith experts on site can create a digital spatial image of a machine and its environment, and in this way record the actual situation of the machine to an accuracy of one millimeter at a scanning distance of ten meters and a maximum scanning range of 360 meters. The real data obtained can be stored as point clouds in various formats and then processed to be used as a template for a rebuild project, installation check or for measurements on your desktop. Point cloud data can be combined with CAD data to produce a machine model including all cable and piping. The spatial review in the 3D CAD system with automatic collision check reduces the likelihood of complicated rework and adaptations on site.

Attila Bencs, General Manager at Hamburger Hungaria Ltd., views this as a distinct advantage: “When converting the pulpers at our plant in Dunaújváros, the 3D Scans had already given us the most accurate information in advance on the spatial conditions on site. The improved visualization was beneficial to both all project participants and machine operators,” Bencs says, summing up the extremely useful deployment of the 3D Scan by Voith, and adding: “This saved us a lot of time and work for the rebuild.”

Valmet will supply a board machine rebuild to Umka Cardboard Mill in Serbia. The main target of the rebuild is to increase the customer’s production capacity. The start-up of the rebuilt paper machine PM 1 is scheduled for the second half of 2021.

The order is included in Valmet's orders received of the fourth quarter 2019. The value of the order will not be disclosed. The total value of an order of this type is typically around EUR 15-20 million.

"This rebuild is one of the most important strategic decisions we have made in the course of 80 years long history of the mill. We are pleased that this project is going to be completed by Valmet, a global leader in the supply of process technology in the paper industry. I strongly believe in the success and bright future of Umka Cardboard Mill, with planned capacity of over 200,000 tonnes, further quality improvements and wider product portfolio,” says Milos Ljusic, Managing Director of Umka.

"The co-operation between Valmet’s and Umka’s teams has been excellent. Together, we built up a solution which will help Umka increase production capacity and improve their end product quality," says Pekka Turtinen, Senior Sales Manager at Valmet.

Umka’s and Valmet’s teams at the Umka 80-year anniversary celebration. From left: Kari Räisänen (Valmet), Milos Ljusic (Umka), Jadranka Priljeva (Umka), Staniša Lukić (Umka), Nikola Pejović (Umka) and Pekka Turtinen (Valmet)Umka’s and Valmet’s teams at the Umka 80-year anniversary celebration. From left: Kari Räisänen (Valmet), Milos Ljusic (Umka), Jadranka Priljeva (Umka), Staniša Lukić (Umka), Nikola Pejović (Umka) and Pekka Turtinen (Valmet)

Improved production capacity

Valmet's delivery will include major changes in the wet end of the paper machine PM1 with broke collection, approach flow system and three OptiFlo Foudrinier headboxes to meet the growing productivity and quality requirements of high-quality board machine, as well as an OptiFormer Multi forming section with multiple foudriniers and modifications in the press section.

The delivery will also include an OptiCoat Layer curtain coating station with supply system and an OptiDry Turn air dryer and an OptiWin Drum two-drum winder. Related spare parts and paper machine clothing for start-up and Valmet DNA Machine Controls System will also be included. A two-year Valmet Performance Center on-demand expert support will further help Umka to reach its targets.

The 3,700-mm-wide (wire) PM1 will produce white lined chipboard grades with a basis weight range of 160-450 g/m2. The design speed of the new parts will be 440 m/min. The daily design capacity will be approximately 620 tonnes.

Information about the customer Umka

Umka Cardboard Mill has been a part of KappaStar Group since its privatization in 2003. Mill’s production capacity is currently 130,000 tonnes per year. Umka exports over 80% of its production to over 30 European countries. The most important export markets are Poland, Hungary, Romania and Russia. Umka’s cardboard is widely used in the manufacturing of cardboard packaging for the food, confectionery, pharmaceutical, chemical, tobacco, textile, and automotive industries, as well as for spare parts production within the machine industry. It is also used for lamination in the manufacture of transport packaging.

andritz logo smlInternational technology Group ANDRITZ and UPM have signed a preliminary agreement under which ANDRITZ is to supply energy-efficient and environmentally friendly pulp production technologies as well as key process equipment. The final contract will have a mid-triple-digit million euro order value for ANDRITZ and is expected to be booked in Q1 2020. Further details of the agreement will be disclosed after the final contract has been signed, which is expected to happen in the coming weeks.

ANDRITZ Pulp & Paper is a leading global supplier of complete plants, systems, equipment, and comprehensive services for the production and processing of all types of pulp, paper, board, and tissue. The technologies cover processing of logs, annual fibers, and waste paper; production of chemical pulp, mechanical pulp, and recycled fibers; recovery and reuse of chemicals; preparation of paper machine furnish; production of paper, board, and tissue; sizing, calendering and coating of paper; as well as treatment of reject materials and sludge. The service offering includes system and machine modernization, rebuilds, spare and wear parts, on-site and workshop services, optimization of process performance, maintenance and automation solutions, as well as machine relocation and second-hand equipment. Biomass, steam and recovery boilers for power production, gasification and flue gas cleaning plants, systems and plants for the production of nonwovens and absorbent hygiene products, dissolving pulp, and panelboard (MDF), as well as recycling and shredding solutions for various waste materials also form a part of this business area.

Both instruments reliably detect the point level of liquids in storage tanks, containers, and pipes. They also provide proof test, verification, and IIoT functionality.

January 16, 2020—Endress+Hauser releases Liquiphant FTL51B and FTL41 vibrating fork (vibronic) level instruments. The FTL51B features Industry 4.0 and IIoT capabilities, including access via wireless Bluetooth technology, automatic proof tests and verification, and easy commissioning via a mobile device. In addition, operational clarity is provided by a high-visibility LED.

2020 01 23 085905The Liquiphant FTL51B can be used in storage tanks, containers, and pipes for point level detection of all types of liquids. The instrument’s vibronic sensor is not affected by changing media properties, flow, turbulence, gas bubbles, foam, vibration, or build-up. The instrument works in process temperatures of -58 to 302°F (-50 to 150°C) and pressures up to 1450 psi (100 bar). It can be used in SIL2 and SIL3 hazardous locations, and has built-in automatic maintenance and verification functions.

The economical, general-purpose FTL41 is similar to the FTL51B, but works at lower pressures, up to 580 psi (40 bar), and with a narrower temperature range of -40 to 302 °F (-40 to 150 °C).

Both perform proof tests, with the FTL51B meeting SIL and WHG (Water Resources Act) requirements. The proof test can be activated remotely at a control system, or locally via a magnet or push button test. The proof test diagnoses the sensor for corrosion and build-up, and ensures the entire instrument is operating properly. Verification can be activated either manually or automatically via Endress+Hauser’s Heartbeat Technology, providing a verification report sufficient as documentation for various regulatory agencies.

Access via Bluetooth technology and a mobile device—such as smartphone—allows a user to identify each device, commission it, check the status, start a proof test, and download verification documentation. Bluetooth has a range of 33 ft, allowing a technician to access Liquiphant instruments installed in hard-to-reach locations, such as at the top of tanks.

For more information visit https://eh.digital/liquiphant_us

About Endress+Hauser

Endress+Hauser is a global leader in measurement instrumentation, services and solutions for industrial process engineering. Endress+Hauser provides sensors, instruments, systems and services for level, flow, pressure and temperature measurement as well as analytics and data acquisition. We work closely with the chemical, petrochemical, food & beverage, oil & gas, water & wastewater, power & energy, life science, primaries & metal, renewable energies, pulp & paper and shipbuilding industries. Endress+Hauser supports its customers in optimizing their processes in terms of reliability, safety, economic efficiency and environmental impact. The Group employs nearly 14,000 personnel worldwide and generated net sales of more than 2.4 billion euros (2.7 billion U.S. dollars) in 2018.

Tuesday, 21 January 2020 23:37

A focus on the perfect packaging

OPTIMA will be presenting a packaging system with countless new technical refinements, an improved welding station, and digital Smart Services at the INDEX 2020 Trade Show

"Packaging at its finest"– this is Optima's slogan for INDEX 2020. The company will be showcasing two major themes that are of interest to the nonwovens industry. Optima is focusing on unique, sustainable packaging concepts that manufacturers can use to make their mark in the marketplace. The company is also presenting digital solutions under the heading “Smart Services”. These are designed to make packaging processes even more efficient and assist operators. INDEX will be held in Geneva from March 31 to April 3, 2020.

Today's consumers have a lot of requirements when it comes to the packaging for hygiene products. They expect a product that is perfectly suited to their needs, available in the right quantity and preferably available in high-quality, sustainable packaging. Here, differentiation is the solution. That is why “unique, sustainable packaging" will be one of the themes at INDEX 2020. "We will be showing how packaging can be optimized even further by using new technical solutions," explained Oliver Rebstock, Managing Director of OPTIMA nonwovens GmbH.

Manufacturers are successful at the point of sale when they use unique, sustainable packaging

This can be achieved by means of an innovative welding station developed by Optima Nonwovens, for example. This has a positive effect on the quality of the packaging. Oliver Rebstock also revealed, “Another major focus will be a system, consisting of a stacker and a packaging machine, which also concentrates on an optimized packaging design and features numerous new technical refinements.”

Differentiation in the marketplace is achieved both with improved packaging and with new packaging concepts. Optima Nonwovens is open to working collaboratively to develop new packaging solutions. Here, the options include alternative materials such as paper or starch films, new types of packaging such as cardboard packaging, or packaging with a new added value such as the opportunity to customize. However, there is also potential for completely new concepts, which Optima would like to discuss with visitors.

Innovative packaging processes have a positive effect on packaging quality. This can be achieved with an optimized welding station, for example. Innovative packaging processes have a positive effect on packaging quality. This can be achieved with an optimized welding station, for example.

Line management software and optimized operator guidance improve efficiency

In its second subject area, Optima will be demonstrating how further improvements can be made to the efficiency of packaging processes. This is achieved through process optimization with Optima's line management software. This means that production resources can be used in the best possible way and the overall equipment effectiveness can be improved for entire production lines. Sustainability goals can also be met because waste is reduced.

Paper hygiene producers are increasingly faced with the challenge of finding qualified staff to operate packaging machines. In many countries, labor costs are also rising. An example of the application clearly illustrates how Optima uses remote support to assist operators as part of the OPTIMA Total Care life cycle management program. This means that quality issues can be resolved quickly, and the time taken to change formats can be reduced. This support is possible with every conceivable end device, including Augmented Reality glasses, which are used by the customer's operators to connect with Optima service staff.

Tuesday, 21 January 2020 23:06

Bosch Packaging Technology is now Syntegon

Syntegon Technology is the new name among the market leaders in the processing and packaging industry. Known as Bosch Packaging Technology until late 2019, the former Bosch division has just presented itself as an independent enterprise at the company headquarters in Waiblingen (Germany). Syntegon Technology’s business focus is on intelligent and sustainable technologies for the pharmaceutical and food industries. Extending the service range is a priority for the company. Syntegon Technology employs 6,100 people at more than 30 locations worldwide. It posted 1.3 billion euros in sales in 2019. Bosch disclosed its plans to sell the packaging machinery division to a newly incorporated entity managed by CVC Capital Partners, a leading private equity and investment advisory firm, in July 2019. The transaction was completed according to plan, with the company gaining full independence at the turn of the year.

Transaction wrapped up on schedule as business development remains stable

The sale of Bosch Packaging Technology was completed on January 2, 2020, as envisioned. Bosch had announced in June 2018 that it intended to sell its packaging division, finding a buyer a year later in CVC Capital Partners (CVC). Bosch Packaging Technology then expanded its headquarters in Waiblingen, Germany, augmenting it with new departments required for the switch. Business developments remained stable in the interim, bucking the trend in the sluggish machine engineering sector. Sales in 2019 came to 1.3 billion euros, matching the previous year’s figure.

The new owner, CVC, aims to vigorously develop the company as a whole and expand intra-group synergies. Commenting on the closing of the sale, Marc Strobel, a partner at CVC Capital Partners said, “CVC is delighted to see the transaction completed on schedule. Syntegon Technology has a strong presence in many market segments, great technological know-how, and innovative power. We want to build on these strengths jointly with management and the entire workforce.”

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Into the future with a new brand

“Processing and packaging technology for a better life!” This is Syntegon’s mission statement. The company is determined to improve the lives of consumers and patients with intelligent and sustainable processing and packaging solutions. A new corporate brand was developed over the past few months. The name Syntegon stands for synergy, technology, and focus on the future. The new corporate color green underscores the importance of sustainability and health. The square in the newly designed logo symbolizes a package as well as packaging technology’s ability to protect products.

The entire workforce will celebrate the independent company’s launch with management on January 16, 2020. The ceremony at the Waiblingen headquarters, broadcasted live around the world, will be followed by events held at the individual locations. Syntegon Technology will share the news with its business partners today. Chairman of the Executive Board Dr. Stefan König takes this opportunity to send an emphatic message: “We are building on 150 years of experience and the 64,000 machines deployed by our customers, and pursuing new avenues of business. Now, more than ever before, we are working on intelligent and sustainable technologies and embracing the collaboration with our business partners in the true spirit of partnership.”

Greater flexibility and focus on caring partnerships

This newly gained independence enables Syntegon Technology to be even more flexible. And newly added departments at the headquarters such as Purchasing and IT shorten the distances between in-house units and facilitating interaction with customers and suppliers. Whereas the company had been part of a large corporation with diverse divisions, it can now create a business framework that is an even better fit for the industry. This new setup will enable the company to enhance its profile as a leading processing and packaging company.

Syntegon Technology aims to set new priorities for services. Impelled by the spirit of partnership with its customers, the company is striving to improve its processes. One goal is to reduce response times to customer enquiries; another is to further increase the availability of service technicians. Syntegon Technology is also investing in a customer and technology center at its Waiblingen headquarters. The processing and packaging technology company collaborates with global corporations and regional market leaders, and is determined to offer even more attractive services for medium-sized enterprises and startups.

Intelligent and sustainable technologies

Syntegon Technology has intensified its efforts to develop intelligent and sustainable technologies. Drawing on a deep well of experience in developing and integrating software solutions, the company uses connected components as well as components enhanced with artificial intelligence to this end. It puts a premium on ensuring sophisticated technologies are simple to use. The greater goal is to collect and evaluate data to avoid machine downtime, maximize product quality, and optimize overall plant efficiency.

The enterprise is pursuing two approaches to produce sustainable packaging – one is to use mono materials rather than conventional multilayer films, and the other is to use paper packaging as an alternative to plastic. Syntegon Technology supports its customers on the path to a sustainable future with material testing, machine applications, and innovative packaging designed to meet the requirements of products, transport modes, and regional circumstances. The company has also significantly reduced its machines’ energy consumption.

The numbers speak for themselves

A campaign to train the spotlight on Syntegon Technology’s new brand is underway. The company is letting the numbers tell the story. Featuring prominently on the website at www.syntegon.com/numbers, these persuasive figures show what Syntegon is all about. The next highlight on the agenda is the Düsseldorf interpack trade fair, where the company will present its fresh, new brand identity to customers in May 2020.

About Syntegon Technology

Syntegon Technology is a leading global process and packaging technology provider. Formerly the packaging division of the Bosch Group, the company, headquartered in Waiblingen (Germany), has been offering complete solutions for the pharmaceutical and food industries for over 50 years. More than 6,100 employees at 30 locations in more than 15 countries generated a total revenue of 1.3 billion euros in 2019. The portfolio of intelligent and sustainable technologies includes stand-alone machines, as well as complete systems and services. Fields of application in the pharmaceutical industry are the production, processing, filling, inspection and packaging of liquid and solid pharmaceuticals (e.g. syringes and capsules). In the food industry, the portfolio includes process technology for confectionery as well as packaging solutions for dry foods (e.g. bars, bakery products and coffee), frozen foods and dairy products.

Kultasuklaa is a Finnish family enterprise, that has been making hand-finished chocolates at its factory in Finland since 1990. The company had one important wish for its new luxury ‘It’s all about love’ praline box: it had to have less plastic. In order to achieve its objective Kultasuklaa collaborated with Metsä Board, the leading European producer of premium fresh fibre paperboards and part of the Metsä Group.

The new eco-barrier paperboard MetsäBoard Prime FBB EB was selected for the package due to it being plastic-free and providing suitable grease and moisture resistance. The paperboard is safe for direct food contact and provides high brightness, as well as a smooth surface with excellent printability. As the paperboard is plastic-free, it does not require plastic separation and can be easily recycled.

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The packaging was designed to reflect the pure and fresh paperboard. Its surface provides a pleasant touch and feel through the use of a soft touch varnish and hot foil. “The packaging does justice, not only to cocoa as a raw material, but also to the pralines which are pulled out from the side of the heart-shaped packaging; this reinforces the product as a luxury gift and creates a feeling of pleasure and high quality. The new design and use of the eco-barrier board has also achieved our objective of reducing the plastic content whilst protecting the delicate nature of the pralines inside,” said chocolate entrepreneur and owner of Kultasuklaa, Juri Kaskela.

The four-praline box has an innovative structure: the external packaging is made from a single piece of paperboard, which forms a heart. The pralines are protected by the eco-barrier paperboard on the packaging’s inner surface. The grid that keeps the pralines in place and separate is made from a single piece of eco-barrier paperboard. “By working in partnership with Kultasuklaa on this exquisite project, we have created a new functional heart-shaped box design that is eye-catching, but also protects the contents and reduces the plastic content,” said Ilkka Harju, Packaging Services Director, EMEA and APAC at Metsä Board. The packaging was converted by Prem and Cadpack in Finland.

Valmet is planning changes in the Fabrics Business Unit which is part of the Services Business Line in order to secure the unit’s profitability and future competitiveness. The most important action in the preliminary plan is to move the dryer fabric and wide filter fabric production from Tampere in Finland to Valmet’s unit in Portugal. The possible actions will have employee impacts. The functions under consideration are part of Valmet Technologies Oy.

valmet logo rgbAs a consequence of the above, Valmet starts co-determination negotiations in Fabrics’ operations in Tampere on January 21, 2020. The co-determination negotiations are estimated to last six weeks and they include Fabrics’ personnel in Tampere. The co-determination negotiations can result in the reduction of 90 persons at maximum mainly during year 2021 by estimate, and in possible temporary lay-offs and part-time work during 2020. Fabrics Business Unit employs altogether approximately 500 persons in its Tampere operations.

Fabrics Business Unit develops and manufactures press felts, shoe press belts, dryer fabrics and wide filter fabrics in Tampere. Valmet’s location in Portugal, to which the dryer fabric and wide filter fabric production possibly is relocated, develops and manufactures filter fabrics and other industrial textiles.

Active review of operations’ locations is part of Valmet’s normal business development globally. In recent years, for example, Valmet’s production of evaporation plants from Sweden and the production of Quality Control Systems (QCS) from China have been relocated to Finland. Valmet employs 5,100 persons in Finland of which 2,000 in Tampere. At the moment Valmet has approximately 160 open positions in Finland.

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