Voith Gecko OneStep is a unique system for start and end gluing on the winder. 16 gluing machines, with a Voith VariFlex winder using two-drum technology, have been sold in the past three years and also been successfully used in several rebuilds. Along with start and end gluing, Gecko OneStep also provides for perforation of the paper web.

The lizard family of geckos was the inspiration in naming the Voith Gecko OneStep, and for a good reason. Lizards’ feet have tremendous adhesive power and even allow the animals to hang upside down on glass panes. The performance features of Gecko OneStep are also unique; they ensure that the paper web adheres to the core.

Exact and quick functioning. When a new set is to be wound in the winder, both end gluing of the cut finished reels as well as the initial gluing of the paper web have to take place on the new core. With Gecko OneStep, preparation of start and end gluing is done at full machine speed, which minimizes time and production losses. The gluing machine is attractive due to its reliable handling and its exact and quick functioning. If a reel change is imminent, hot glue is applied with a low-maintenance nozzle on an anti-adhesive-coated transfer roll. The perforation knives for cross-cutting the paper web are on this transfer roll between the glue traces. The roll turns during a reel change. A glue trace is applied as end gluing on the paper web of the finished reel. Then perforation takes place, which later allows separation of the paper web. With the exactly positioned glue traces, the paper web then adheres to the core. The rugged and universal set-up means Gecko OneStep has a broad range of application, from thin paper of less than 30 g/m² all the way to board and packaging paper of over 440 g/m².

New generation of glues is double strength. Together with an optimized coating of the applicator roll, a newly developed generation of glues now provides for even better durability of the end sheet gluing. The strength of the gluing has been doubled, which improves both the storability as well as the transportability of the paper rolls. The optimized coating on the transfer rolls also has another positive effect: its service life has been tripled.

With Gecko OneStep, paper manufacturers can rely on a proven system that was developed with a high degree of technological know-how. Durable and resilient adhesion is ensured using only small amounts of glue which is also suitable for indirect contact with food. Together with VariFlex winders, Gecko OneStep offers a reliable system for the highest productivity.//

Xerium Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:XRM), a leading global provider of industrial consumable products and services, announced a new rolls and mechanical services facility located in Çorlu, Turkey. The facility is under construction and the equipment is already on hand. It will be state-of-the art and is expected to be in production Q1 2015. From this geographic location, Xerium will provide its full suite of patented performance-enhancing roll solutions to customers in the surrounding region. Xerium will perform roll grinding, roll recovering and mechanical services on site. Xerium is also increasing its field sales and service staff for the region for machine clothing, roll services, mechanical services and machine automation through its SMART® Roll sensor solutions.

Dave Pretty, Xerium's President of North America and Europe, and Recep Agci, of Modern Karton, Istanbul were instrumental in making this new greenfield plant a reality.

Xerium's facility will be the first major rolls and service facility established in Turkey, by any of the industry's major global suppliers. From this location, Xerium will be able to provide regional customers with dramatically quicker and more cost effective service. Importantly, these products and services will be delivered through a local workforce familiar and respectful of local customs. The plant will be co-located on the grounds of Modern Karton, one of the largest and most integrated producers in the region. The required investment and startup costs of this new plant are included within the company's previous guidance for spending in 2014.

"Xerium is honored to be the first major global competitor to build a plant in the region and proud of its relationship with Eren Holding and Modern Karton. We look forward to delivering superior mechanical services, roll covering capabilities, and machine automation services to the region," said Harold Bevis, Xerium's President and CEO. "This area of Europe is healthy and growing in the industries we serve. We believe this commitment will bring value to the area for all three of Xerium's product categories -- roll coverings, mechanical services and machine clothing.

"Xerium is repositioning its business for the future by executing its dual-pronged long term strategy of achieving Commercial Success and Cost Leadership," continued Mr. Bevis. "Commercial Success is about being #1 or #2 in each of its markets and being at least on par with the marketshare leaders in each category. Xerium is committed to growing with the market leading customers globally. Currently, we have 27 specific growth initiatives to implement this strategy and this new plant in Turkey is one of those initiatives. The company's goal is to target specific customers and specific machines where the company's value-added offerings are a natural fit."

Commenting on Cost Leadership, Mr. Bevis said "Xerium is equally committed to achieving Cost Leadership in its operational structure. Continuous improvement and increased value are a given in the industries the company serves and it is imperative that the company be set up correctly to deliver against that expectation. The company has 9 specific programs to achieve this objective. Cost Leadership is more than just closing old, high-cost plants with old equipment that are in awkward predicaments given forward expectations. It is more than just 'cost out.' We are also making sure that we have the right set-up to deliver best value and continuous improvement.

"Xerium's decision to build a greenfield rolls and mechanical service plant in Turkey is a manifestation of both elements of the company's long-term strategy - Commercial Success and Cost Leadership." said Bevis. "Xerium is excited and honored to commit its money, time, people, patents, and 202 years of global trade secrets to help customers in Turkey and Southeast Europe win in their markets."

Kemira Oyj and Wilmar International Limited announced on November 1, 2013 the signing of a joint venture agreement between the subsidiaries of Kemira and Wilmar ("JVA") for the manufacture of AKD (alkyl ketene dimer) wax in China.

Kemira and Wilmar have now mutually agreed to terminate the JVA because of changes to their commercial objectives.

About Wilmar

www.wilmar-international.com

Wilmar International Limited, founded in 1991 and headquartered in Singapore, is today Asia's leading agribusiness group. Wilmar is ranked amongst the largest listed companies by market capitalization on the Singapore Exchange.

Wilmar's business activities include oil palm cultivation, oilseed crushing, edible oil refining, sugar milling and refining, specialty fat, oleochemical, biodiesel and fertilizer manufacturing and grain processing. At the core of Wilmar's strategy is a resilient integrated agribusiness model that encompasses the entire value chain of the agricultural commodity processing business, from origination and processing to branding, merchandising and distribution of a wide range ofagricultural products. It has over 450 manufacturing plants and an extensive distribution network covering China, India, Indonesia and some 50 other countries. The Group is backed by a multinational workforce of about 90,000 people.

Wilmar's portfolio of high quality processed agricultural products is the preferred choice of the food manufacturing industry, as well as the industrial and consumer food catering businesses. Its consumer-packed products occupy a leading share in its targeted markets. Through scale, integration and the logistical advantages of its business model, Wilmar is able to extract margins at every step of the value chain, thereby reaping operational synergies and cost efficiencies. Wilmar remains a firm advocate of sustainable growth and is committed to its role as a responsible corporate citizen.

Valmet Corporation (business ID 2553019-8) has on August 18, 2014 received a notification referred to in Securities Market Act from Nordea Funds Oy (business ID 1737785-9), stating that the company's ownership and share of votes in Valmet Corporation has risen above the threshold of 5 percent (1/20).

As a result of share transactions on August 15, 2014, the holding of Nordea Funds Oy increased to 7,502,743 shares (previously 7,445,447 shares), representing an ownership of 5.006 percent (previously 4.968 percent) of Valmet Corporation's total number of shares and share of votes.

Valmet Corporation has one series of shares in which each share carries one vote. The aggregate number of shares is 149,864,619.

Valmet has made a contract with Pratt Paper (IN), LLC for the supply of the paper machine for Pratt's new greenfield paper mill in Valparaiso area, Indiana, USA. The mill will utilize recovered paper in the production of recycled linerboard and corrugated medium. The start-up of the new paper machine, PM16, is scheduled for 2015.

The order is included in Valmet's third quarter 2014 orders received. The value of the order is not disclosed.

Valmet's OptiConcept M paper machine

"OptiConcept M is a new and modular way to design, build and operate a paper machine. Its modular approach enables short delivery times, quick start-up and low project costs. This will be Valmet's first OptiConcept M installation in North America and we are all proud to work with Pratt on this project," says Mike Gray, SVP Sales, Valmet North America

The new machine will have a wire width of 6.25 meters and a design speed of 1,200 m/min. Valmet's scope of delivery will comprise a complete OptiConcept M board production line from headbox to winder.

About Pratt

Pratt Industries is America's 5th Largest Corrugated Packaging Company and the world's largest, privately-held 100% recycled paper and packaging company, with more than 4,000 highly-skilled, green-collar employees dedicated to the environment and sustainability. Pratt was founded in the USA some 20 years ago and, since then, has shown dramatic growth with sophisticated manufacturing facilities in more than 20 states.

Pöyry continues to streamline its business operations and adjusts its management structure with a view to improving efficiency.

Alexis Fries, President and CEO will act as Chairman of Pöyry's Regional Operations.

Marcelo Cordaro, 51, BSc, MSc and DSc in Electrical Engineering, currently President of Pöyry's operations in Brazil is additionally appointed as President Regional Operations Latin America and member of the Group Executive Committee reporting to the President and CEO. Marcelo Cordaro joined the Pöyry Group in 2008. Before that he was the Marketing and Supply Chain Director at Braskem S.A. (2005-2008) and held several positions as a management consultant for Booz Allen Hamilton (2004-2005) and McKinsey & Company (1996-2004).

Nicholas Oksanen, 47,MSc in Engineering (Paper Technology and Economics), currently President of Pöyry's Pulp and Paper Business Unit is additionally appointed as President Industry Business Group and member of the Group Executive Committee reporting to the President and CEO. Nicholas Oksanen joined the Pöyry Group in 1993 and has held several management positions in the Industry Business Group.

Richard Pinnock, currently Executive Vice President Group Strategic Growth is appointed Executive Vice President Global Sales and Project Management with the responsibility for strengthening the Group's global sales and project management. He will also continue to develop the Group's Large Projects Competence Centre. The Project Management Services Business Unit, currently part of the Industry Business Group, will be integrated under the Global Sales and Project Management Function. Richard Pinnock continues as a member of the Group Executive Committee reporting to the President and CEO.

Pasi Tolppanen, President Regional Operations Northern Europe, President of Pöyry's operations in Finland and member of the Group Executive Committee, and Marcelo Cordaro are both appointed as Vice Chairmen Regional Operations supporting the President and CEO in promoting the regional business model, successfully implemented in Northern Europe, to other Key Countries of Pöyry.

The Regional Operations Alpine Arc and Central Europe will be combined into one region, Central Europe, which includes three of Pöyry's Key Countries:  Germany, Switzerland and Austria. The respective Country Presidents will report directly to Alexis Fries, President and CEO and Chairman Regional Operations.

The Mining and Metals Business Unit, currently part of the Industry Business Group, will be integrated into the Regional Operations Northern Europe.

The Regional Operations Asia Pacific comprising of local operations in China and Thailand will be integrated into the Energy Business Group.

The changes will be effective immediately.

Martin Bachmann, Chairman Regional Operations and President Regional Operations Alpine Arc and Asia-Pacific, and Martin Kuzaj, President Regional Operations Central Europe, President Regional Operations Latin America and President Industry Business Group will leave the Pöyry Group. We would like to thank them both for their valuable contributions to the Pöyry Group and wish them all the best for the future.

Omya and NewPage Corporation kicked off operations with a ribbon-cutting ceremony today at the precipitated calcium carbonate plant located at the NewPage Escanaba paper mill site.

            The Omya plant brings seven new jobs to the community.

PCC is an essential raw material used in the papermaking process. It lends to key properties such as bulk, opacity, brightness and whiteness. PCC is manufactured using lime and carbon dioxide (CO₂).

The Escanaba mill previously purchased PCC from another supplier. With the PCC plant on-site, the mill saves on transportation costs. The lime needed for the PCC manufacturing process is purchased from the Upper Peninsula.

The environment also benefits from the on-site plant. Before the PCC plant was in operation, the CO₂ produced by the mill was emitted into the air and considered waste. The on-site plant uses CO₂ generated by the Escanaba mill in the process, reducing the environmental impact.

“We’re very pleased to see this PCC plant in operation at the Escanaba mill,” said NewPage Chief Executive Officer George Martin. “This plant is a step toward helping us achieve our long-term vision. The creation of this plant deepens our relationship with our strategic partner, Omya.”

Escanaba Mill Manager Roger Rouleau said, “By locating the plant here at the Escanaba mill, it’s not only mutually beneficial for Omya and NewPage, the improved economics and job creation help support the local economy.”

Tony Colak, CEO for Omya Region Americas said, “We are very excited to see this new PCC plant for NewPage Escanaba in operation. Most importantly, we are pleased to be a strategic supplier and partner with NewPage. The close collaboration between Omya and NewPage has resulted in this long-term commitment.”

Valmet will rebuild a paper machine (PM5) at the paper mill of Thai Paper Company Limited in Bang Pong, Thailand. The PM5, currently producing printing and writing papers with 100,000 tpy capacity, will be modified for high quality glassine paper production. Valmet's delivery will include modernization of key sections of the paper machine. The rebuild targets the highest end product quality and efficient production. The rebuilt production line will start-up during the fourth quarter of 2015.

The order is included in Valmet's third quarter 2014 orders received. The value of the order is not disclosed. The value of paper machine rebuilds depends on the scope of the delivery. This kind of rebuild is typically valued around EUR 20 million.

"Thai Paper and our partner, Nippon Paper Industries Co. Ltd., selected Valmet based on their innovative technology and proven track record on successful rebuilds which align well with our target to produce high-value added products such as high quality glassine paper to cater the growing demand for label in the domestic and regional markets," says Mr. Panthep Supachaiyakit, Managing Director, Thai Paper Company Limited.

"We are pleased to continue our long term cooperation with SCG Paper and its subsidiary Thai Paper in this project. Our aim is to bring our strong experience with special papers to the project to ensure smooth and successful project converting PM5 to glassine grades. This order further strengthens Valmet's position as a market leader in high speed special paper technology provider," says Pornpracha Wattanakijsiri, Head of South East Asia.

Customer and Valmet representatives at the signing ceremony in Thailand. From left Mr. Surasak Amawat, Managing Director, Siam Cellulose Co., Ltd., Mr. Panthep Supachaiyakit, Managing Director, Thai Paper Co., Ltd., Mr. Roongrote Rangsiyopash, President of SCG Paper and from Valmet Mr. Hannu T Pietilä, Area President, Asia Pacific, Mr. Timo Dufva, Vice President Projects and Mr. Pornpracha Wattanakijsiri, Head of South East Asia.

Technical details of Valmet's delivery

Valmet's solution for this grade conversion and modernization of the 3.9 meter-wire wide PM 5 consists of a new off-line multinip calendar and new air dryers as well as a re-reeler rebuild with new moisturizers. There will also be modifications in the stock preparation, headbox, and drying section with alterations in the sizer area including contactless web turn device. 

Valmet's new OptiFiner Pro refiners, which are part of the stock preparation, ensure energy efficient refining result of long fibers, to meet the high demands set by glassine paper production. These modifications at paper machine ensure the base paper to be dense, thin and strong. The rebuild re-reeler moisturizes the base paper efficiently for improved smoothness and the best possible calendering result. The OptiCalender Multinip off-line calender improves further the surface properties of glassine paper grades. 

Information about Thai Paper

Thai Paper Company Limited is a subsidiary company in SCG Paper's Fibrous Chain Business which is a joint-venture between SCG Paper and Nippon Paper Industries Co. Ltd.. SCG Paper's Fibrous Chain Business produced around 470,000 tpy of pulp and 570,000 tpy of printing and writing paper.

The Thai Paper Mill, located in Ban Pong, Ratchaburi Province, has five paper machines producing high quality uncoated and coated wood free paper grades. The annual production capacity of the existing mill is 293,000 t. The Company was established in 1983 and is now one of Thailand's leading producers in printing and writing paper industry.

Cascades Tissue Group announced its plans today to again support The Breast Cancer Research Foundation^® (BCRF) with proceeds from sales of its Cascades^® Pink hand towels for the Away-from-Home market. This year Cascades will extend the campaign to a full year, ending next June.

“Even with so many great strides in the area of research, there’s still so much to be done. This is our way to provide help in finding a cure”

From July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2015, Cascades is donating $0.50 per case sold, with a minimum donation of $5,000 to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation^®, while supplies last. BCRF’s mission is to advance the world’s most promising research to eradicate breast cancer in our lifetime, and help make a difference for women and families affected by this disease.

“Even with so many great strides in the area of research, there’s still so much to be done. This is our way to provide help in finding a cure,” said Suzanne Blanchet, Cascades Tissue Group President and CEO. “As we celebrate our 50^th year, we remain committed to helping organizations fulfill their goals to make the world a better place.”

BCRF has supported some of the most significant breakthroughs in breast cancer over the last 20 years. Since its inception, the Foundation has raised over $500 million to fuel discoveries in areas like prevention, treatment and metastasis and in 2013 alone, BCRF invested $45 million in the work of over 200 researchers at leading medical institutions across the globe.

“What stands between today and a cure is, pure and simple, funding,” said Myra Biblowit, BCRF President and CEO. “It is through the support of partners like Cascades that BCRF is able to continue to support life-saving research which is bringing us closer to a world without breast cancer every day.”

The Cascades Pink hand towels are available in multifold and roll formats to fit any universal dispensers in public washrooms. This year Cascades is also introducing its Cascades for Tandem roll to be used exclusively with their Tandem dispensing system. Made from 100 percent recycled fiber and a minimum of 50 percent post-consumer material, the hand towels use a non-harmful dye and are whitened without chlorine. For more information about this product, visit www.afh.cascades.com/pink. To find out how and where to purchase these products, please contact Cascades’ customer service at 1-800-246-0711. Product quantities are limited and this offer is subject to availability and until quantities last.

Cascades encourages its partner distributors to match Cascades’ donation at www.bcrfcure.org.