Valmet to supply equipment for fluff conversion project at Domtar's Ashdown pulp and paper mill

Valmet Corporation's press release on February 17, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. EET

Valmet has been selected by Domtar to supply the equipment and technical services to convert a paper machine from uncoated freesheet to fluff pulp at the mill located in Ashdown, Arkansas, USA.

The delivery is part of Domtar's USD 160 million project to re-purpose the A64 paper machine. The rebuilt machine is scheduled to begin operation in the third quarter of 2016. This order is included in Valmet's first quarter 2015 orders received. The value of Valmet's delivery will not be disclosed.

"Valmet has been a trusted vendor-partner of ours, one that understands our business and delivers top-quality equipment and services that help our company succeed," says Jack Bray, Domtar's Vice President Manufacturing, Region 2. "We're glad to work with a supplier that shares our commitment to safety and sustainability, as well as performance, in creating world-class fiber products."

"Valmet has extensive experience in repurposing pulp and paper assets, especially in the production of fluff pulp. As we did during the Plymouth NC5 conversion, we worked closely with Domtar to optimize the technical solution that would meet their project objectives, including world class quality standards and high efficiency runnability," says Frank Swietlik, General Manager, Pulp Dryers and Baling, Valmet.

Technical information about the delivery

The scope of the Valmet delivery includes a new wet end, upgrades to existing cylinder dryer section, a new fully automated reel and a new OptiWin Pulp winder. Also included is a bypass run to a new cutter-layboy with an automated bale handling line.

Information about Domtar

Domtar Corporation designs, manufactures, markets, and distributes a wide variety of fiber-based products including communication papers, specialty and packaging papers, and absorbent hygiene products. In 2013, Domtar had sales of USD 5.4 billion from some 50 countries. The Company employs approximately 10,000 people.

Domtar's Ashdown mill has 3 pulp lines and 3 paper machines. The mill's annual paper production capacity is 680,000 tons and pulp production capacity 700,000 tons. The mill produces uncoated freesheet papers: offset, copy paper, laser form bond and check paper and bleached hardwood and softwood Kraft market pulp.

VALMET CORPORATION
Corporate Communications

For further information, please contact:
Bill Bohn, Area President, Valmet North America, tel. +1 770 263 1542
Dave King, Vice President, Pulp and Energy, Valmet North America tel. +1 704 414 3420

Valmet Corporation is a leading global developer and supplier of services and technologies for the pulp, paper and energy industries. Our 10,500 professionals around the world work close to our customers and are committed to moving our customers' performance forward - every day.

Valmet's services cover everything from maintenance outsourcing to mill and plant improvements and spare parts. Our strong technology offering includes entire pulp mills, tissue, board and paper production lines, as well as power plants for bio-energy production.

Valmet's net sales in 2014 were approximately EUR 2.5 billion. Valmet's objective is to become the global champion in serving its customers.

Valmet's head office is in Espoo, Finland and its shares are listed on the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki Ltd.