It takes two to tango
Aug 22, 2024
Over the last few years, the French thin print paper manufacturer Papeteries des Vosges has successfully improved the efficiency, safety and sustainability of its production line. Winning technology plays a key role in the success, but the cooperation between Papeteries des Vosges and Valmet really makes the difference.
Papeteries des Vosges was established in 2002 to continue the life of the paper mill that had been operating in Laval-sur-Vologne, in northeastern France, since the 18th century. Today, the company produces around 40,000 tons of paper for pharmaceutical leaflets each year and has become one of the benchmark thin print paper suppliers in Europe.
In addition to continuously improving the performance and safety of its production line, Papeteries des Vosges is strongly committed to sustainability. Over the last three years, the company has invested in several upgrades diminishing the mill’s environmental footprint as well as improving its production efficiency and employee safety.
“When selecting a partner for equipment upgrades, we expect the supplier to have expertise both in paper-making technologies and the production process. Price matters, but many times we value trust, quality of the solution and payback time over the lowest cost. For our latest upgrades, we selected Valmet and expected them to propose technical solutions adapted to our current situation and challenges – which they also did,” says Jean-Marc Mougel, Technical and Energy Project Manager at Papeteries des Vosges.
A long list of upgrades
The production line’s recent upgrades include the installation of a Splined upgrade with new spline rotor on three Valmet Disk refiners and the installation of the first NonFlow system on one of those double disc refiners, installation of a new runnability system in combination with a ropeless tail threading system in the pre-dryer section, and the installation of Valmet Doctor Holder Compact in post-drying.
“Splined upgrade has led to energy savings and NonFlow system to decreased water consumption, thus impacting the production line’s sustainability. The ropeless Tail Threading has led to improved employee safety, because the operators no longer need to insert their hands in the machine during tail threading. Valmet Doctor Holder Compact has improved the overall efficiency, because it is easy to use and provides easy blade replacement and cleaning,” summarizes Julien Desbordes, Mill Sales Manager at Valmet.
Total confidence in Valmet’s know-how
Overall, Papeteries des Vosges is very satisfied with the results as well as the expertise and can-do attitude Valmet has shown throughout the projects.
In addition to having confidence in Valmet’s great products and solutions, we have been extremely comfortable working together with their experts such as Thierry Fromaget and Julien Desbordes. Besides having great skills in papermaking, they have made the project management as easy as a walk in a park. I truly value our cooperation and believe it is the key to our success, Jean-Marc Mougel says.
