M-real Alizay PM 1 started up successfully after BelBaie V forming section upgrade

Published May 30, 2006 13.00.00 +2 GMT

M-real Alizay PM 1 in France was succesfully started up on 3 May after a forming section rebuild. The upgrade, which was targeted to improving fine paper quality and machine runnability, was carried out by Metso Paper.

Said Jean Denouette, Project Manager at M-real Alizay: "The rebuild was carried out very professionally. Both Metso and M-real project teams did an excellent job. Paper quality has improved and I am looking forward to introducing our improved product to the market."

The delivery included the first ever Metso-developed BelBaie V for woodfree paper grades. BelBaie V is a forming section upgrade for earlier-generation BelBaie formers. With this new shoe blade forming technology it is possible to improve paper quality and forming section runnability with a cost-effective investment.

M-real Alizay PM 1 is a 9.55-m-wide fine paper machine with an annual production capacity of 300,000 t of business and office papers in a basis weight range of 70-90 g/m2. The mill, located in Alizay, France, also produces 300,000 t of mixed hardwood kraft pulp annually.

M-real Corporation is a European paper and paperboard company with approximately 15,500 employees in more than 70 countries. It provides wood fibre-based solutions for consumer packaging, communications and advertising end-uses. M-real's turnover in 2005 was EUR 5.2 billion. The company is listed on the Helsinki Stock Exchange.

Metso is a global engineering and technology corporation with 2005 net sales of approximately EUR 4.2 billion. Its 22 000 employees in more than 50 countries serve customers in the pulp and paper industry, rock and minerals processing, the energy industry and selected other industries. www.metso.com

For further information, please contact: Juhani Tero Project Manager Metso Paper Tel. +358 40 544 4184 E-mail: juhani.tero@metso.com