Metso to supply state-of-the-art pulping technology for Ilim Group in Russia

Published June 2, 2010 14.00.00 +2 GMT

Metso will supply the main technology for Ilim Group’s new kraft pulp mill, to be built in Bratsk, Irkutsk Oblast, Russia. The value of the order is approximately EUR 180 million.

Metso’s delivery to Ilim Group represents state-of-the-art pulping technology. The scope of supply will cover a complete fiber line comprising a CompactCooking G2 digester, a screen room with DeltaScreen screens, an OxyTrac oxygen delignification system, brown stock washing and bleaching plants with TwinRoll Evolution wash presses and a DryWay drying line with a Fourdrinier wet end and two Robobaling lines. Integral to the Bratsk reconstruction program are a new Metso recovery boiler and an upgrade of the evaporation plant. Furthermore, Metso will deliver a metsoDNA CR automation system for all process areas, and necessary analyzers and special equipment for quality and runnability management. The order received emphasizes Metso's strong capabilities as a full-scope supplier for the pulp industry. The new pulp mill is scheduled to start up during 2012.

The new pulp mill will produce 720,000 tonnes of bleached softwood market pulp a year, bringing the overall annual pulp production at Bratsk to over 1 million tonnes. When in operation, the Bratsk mill will be one of the world’s largest and most modern softwood pulp production facilities. Ilim Group’s overall investments in the project are about EUR 570 million (nearly USD 700 million).

Ilim Group is a leading Russian pulp and paper producer, headquartered in St. Petersburg. The strategic partner of Ilim Group is International Paper, a global leader in the paper and packaging industry. The total annual pulp and paper production volume of Ilim Group is more than 2.3 million tonnes. Ilim Group employs over 20,000 people.

Metso is a global supplier of sustainable technology and services for mining, construction, power generation, automation, recycling and the pulp and paper industries. We have about 27,000 employees in more than 50 countries. www.metso.com

For further information, please contact:

Mikael T. Sundqvist, Senior Vice President, Sales, Fiber business line, Metso, tel. +46 70 533 50 77 Hannu Tähkänen, Senior Vice President, Wood and Pulp Handling, Fiber business line, Metso, tel. + 358 40 551 7947 Kari Remes, General Manager, Sales, Power business line, Metso, tel. +358 40 709 2015