The rebuilt paper machine successfully started up at VPK Paper's Oudegem mill in Belgium

Valmet Oyj's trade press release on August 30, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. EET

After a comprehensive rebuild supplied by Valmet the rebuilt paper machine PM6 at VPK Paper's Oudegem mill in Belgium has been successfully started. The rebuild in the forming, drying and reeling sections will lift up PM6's production capacity from approximately 185,000 t/a to some 200,000 t/a of high quality packaging grades.

The rebuild was executed in spring 2016 with 148 workers on site during 11 days. Safety is top priority in Valmet's projects, and the rebuild was carried out with no accidents.

"The rebuild project went very well. The whole PM6 crew and Valmet experts worked towards the same target: safe and on-time start-up," says Jaakko Kerttula, Project Manager at Valmet.

Technical details of the delivery

The target of this rebuild was to improve machine speed, safety and efficiency. Valmet delivery for the forming section included among others mist eliminators, vacuum foil boxes and top wire lengthening with additional drive. For the drying section, Valmet delivered UnoRun S runnability boxes, new lead rolls and mechanical drive modification and, additionally, FoilForce tail threading after the dryer section. Also, a complete oil lubrication center including piping, tail threading equipment for the reel area, three sets of forming fabrics and spare parts were part of the delivery.

In spring 2015, Valmet had successfully installed a new Quality Control System (QCS) which has proved excellent performance. "We have achieved high availability and remarkably increased production with automatic grade change, improved process monitoring, and faster paper specifications after web break. Working together with Valmet in these two projects has truly moved our performance forward," states Alexis Zenner, Business Unit Manager at the Oudegem Mill.

Paper machine 6 (PM6) at VPK Paper's Oudegem mill in Belgium

Information about the customer VPK Paper

Started in 1935, VPK Paper was built out over the years to one of the leading paper mills in her sector. Annually 500.000 T of waste paper and cardboard are converted to produce just as much new paper. The produced paper qualities are used as raw material to make corrugated and solid board and tubes and cores.

VALMET
Corporate Communications

For further information, please contact:
Jaakko Kerttula, Project Manager, EMEA Service Projects, Valmet, tel. +358 400 982 946

Valmet is the leading global developer and supplier of process technologies, automation and services for the pulp, paper and energy industries. We aim to become the global champion in serving our customers.

Valmet's strong technology offering includes pulp mills, tissue, board and paper production lines, as well as power plants for bioenergy production. Our advanced services and automation solutions improve the reliability and performance of our customers' processes and enhance the effective utilization of raw materials and energy.

Valmet's net sales in 2015 were approximately EUR 2.9 billion. Our 12,000 professionals around the world work close to our customers and are committed to moving our customers' performance forward - every day. Valmet's head office is in Espoo, Finland and its shares are listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki.