NewPage Escanaba orders Metso coating heads and roll wrapping and handling systems

Published July 27, 2005 09.00.00 +2 GMT

NewPage Corporation has ordered OptiCoat Jet technology for their E3 line and a new high capacity Roll Wrapping and Handling line, both from Metso Paper, for their Escanaba Operations in Escanaba, Michigan. Start up of the rebuilt machine is scheduled for May 2006 for the OptiCoat Jets, and August 2006 for the Roll handling and wrapping line.

The coating technology consists of two OptiCoat Jet coating stations to replace existing E3 flooded nip coating stations, machine control system, and OptiAir deaeration units.

The fully automated roll wrapping and handling line includes a modularized high capacity StreamLine kraft roll wrapper with four industrial robots. The new conveyor system collects rolls from all paper machines and brings them to the new wrap line. After rolls are wrapped and marked, they are moved to the truck and rail cart loading area. Everything is done automatically with 20-second cycle time, and the system is fully electric and hydraulic free. The system will be delivered after full-scale workshop tests.

The order also includes all installation supervision, start-up assistance, training and spare parts.

NewPage is the new name of the former Papers Group of MeadWestvaco that was acquired by affiliates of Cerberus Capital Management, L.P. in May 2005. The new company has sales of $2.5 billion dollars and specializes in the production of coated and carbonless paper.

For more information please contact:

Luigi Marchica Account Sales Manager Paper Machines +1 770 263-1587

Fred Bennett Product Sales Manager +1 920 831-3101