Metso Paper to rebuild UPM's paper machine at Kaipola, Finland

Published Sept 8, 2005 14.00.00 +2 GMT

Metso Paper will modernize the paper machine PM 4 at UPM's Kaipola Mill in Finland. The rebuild of the paper machine, producing catalogue paper, aims at improved paper quality and higher efficiency of the production line. The project will comprise upgrading of the headbox and wire section, as well as changes to the press section. The rebuilt paper machine will be started up in May 2006. The value of the order is below 10 million euros.

In the rebuild, the existing SymFlo headbox will be furnished with dilution profile control system, RetroDilu, developed especially in view of rebuild projects. The RetroDilu system will help to improve the paper quality.

The present SymFormer wire section will be rebuilt using state-of-the-art hybrid former technology which will both improve the paper quality and raise the machine speed.

The Kaipola PM 4 was originally taken into stream in 1961. The latest rebuild of the machine by Metso Paper has taken place in 1996. The width of the paper machine is 7.6 meters and the speed 1450 m/min.

UPM is one of the world’s leading producers of printing papers and the clear market leader in magazine papers. The Group's turnover in 2004 was nearly EUR 10 billion, and it has 33,400 employees. UPM's main products include printing papers, converting materials and wood products. The company has production plants in 16 countries and its main market areas are Europe and North America. UPM's shares are listed on the Helsinki and New York stock exchanges. Further information on the company's web pages www.upm-kymmene.com.

Metso Corporation is a global supplier of process industry machinery and systems, as well as know-how and aftermarket services. The Corporation's core businesses are fiber and paper technology (Metso Paper), rock and mineral processing (Metso Minerals) and automation and control technology (Metso Automation). In 2004, the net sales of Metso Corporation were EUR 4 billion and personnel totaled approximately 23,000 in over 50 countries. Metso Corporation is listed on the Helsinki and New York Stock Exchanges.

For more information, please contact:

Petri Tolonen, Vice President, Sales, Metso Paper, Inc., tel. +358 40 722 0372, petri.tolonen@metso.com