Valmet to supply an OptiConcept M boardmaking line and mill-wide automation system to Pro-Gest in Italy

Valmet Corporation's press release on March 4, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. EET

Valmet will supply an OptiConcept M containerboard production line and a mill-wide Valmet DNA automation system for Pro-Gest S.p.a. for the company's new Mantova site in Italy. The new production line is planned to produce high-quality lightweight recycled case material.

The order is included in Valmet's first quarter 2016 orders received. The value of an order of this type is typically EUR 60-80 million.

"At Pro-Gest we are continuously investing to improve our products and exceed quality standards, applying the latest technologies in our mills. Mantova's new machine will be setting new levels in terms of performance and efficiency, with Valmet's highest range of solutions for papermaking. The whole team is very excited to work with the best paper machine manufacturer in the world for this high capacity and high quality paper mill," says Francesco Zago, General Manager and shareholder of Pro-Gest.

"This delivery combines Valmet's unique competence both in process technologies and automation. Our OptiConcept M modular paper and board making line demonstrates fresh design and engineering innovations which improve energy efficiency, safety and usability. It has proved to be a success since its launch in 2011 and the delivery to Pro-Gest is already the eleventh OptiConcept M machine that we have supplied to our customers," says Jari Vähäpesola, President of Paper Business Line, Valmet.

Details about the delivery

Valmet's OptiConcept M boardmaking line delivery will comprise a complete board making line from headbox to reel and a high-capacity two-drum winder. The mill-wide Valmet DNA automation package includes quality measurement system, process control system, machine controls, runnability and condition monitoring and quality controls. An extensive machine clothing package for start-up is also included of the delivery.

The line features number of latest technologies e.g. layering headbox and horizontal gap forming with shoe and blade technology. These technologies enable high end product quality with wide basis weight range and significant energy saving potential compared to conventional Multi-Fourdrinier technology. Also compact design with innovative fabric insertion unit technology are noteworthy. The unit makes cantilevering unnecessary and shortens installation time.

The width of the high speed machine is 7.6 m (reel) with installed capacity of 550,000 tons of recycled paper.

Valmet and Pro-Gest teams at the contract signing of the new OptiConcept M boardmaking line.

Information about the customer Pro-Gest

Owned by the Zago family, Pro-Gest is Italy's leading integrated producer of packaging and corrugated board, active in all fields, from the collection of raw materials to packaging production. The Group also includes an integrated tissue manufacturing division, featuring the full range of high quality products.

Pro-Gest is active in 8 Italian regions with 22 production sites, employing over 1,000 people, generating a consolidated annual turnover of EUR 450 million in 2015.

VALMET
Corporate Communications

For further information, please contact:

Jari Vähäpesola, President, Paper Business Line, Valmet, tel. +358 40 558 6555

Marko Oinonen, Director, Product Sales and Management, Paper mills, Valmet tel. +358 50 562 7240

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.