Metso receives comprehensive valve solutions order for Sodra Cell's Varo pulp mill expansion in Sweden

The valve order for the plant was placed by Valmet, which operates as a major supplier of rebuilt and new equipment for the pulp mill expansion. On completion of the project, Värö will be one of the world's largest softwood sulphate pulp mills. The renewed pulp mill is scheduled to start up in the third quarter of 2016.

"Metso's strong valve solutions know-how for the pulp and paper industry is unmatched and our global reference list is extensive. We are pleased that our reliable valve solutions will also support Södra Cell's mill expansion by maximizing pulp process availability and increasing efficiency. Based on our application knowledge of our experts on a well thought out valve component scope means that future valve maintenance will be easier to manage and will bring cost competitiveness for them," emphasizes Tom Adolfsson, Sales and Services Director, Sweden, Flow Control.

"Metso continuously improves its service capability and scope of offering to help our customers ensure outstanding long-term process performance with high reliability and safety. The new service center in the Gothenburg area strengthens Metso's position to stage, test and repair large numbers of valves to meet customers' high-volume, fast-turnaround repair and service needs during scheduled plant shutdowns," Adolfsson continues.

The value of the order is not disclosed. Part of this order is included in Metso's first-quarter 2015 orders received, and divided bookings will follow during the second and third quarters of 2015.

Leading flow control offering and service solutions for pulp and paper customers  

Metso has a long track record of delivering engineered performance and reliability to the pulp and paper industry. Metso is the market leader in control and on-off valves for pulp and paper customers globally - about 75% of the world's pulp flows through Metso's valves. Additionally, Metso is one of the leading suppliers of intelligent valve controllers. 

Metso has strong pulp and paper industry expertise in valve solutions, and its comprehensive value-added services improve customers' process efficiency. Metso's flow control offering and services for the pulp and paper industry focus on three main areas: solving technical and process issues, improving business performance, and managing a business area. Metso's flow control services are available through more than 40 service centers worldwide, employing over 400 dedicated service professionals with in-depth valve application expertise.

Metso's valve technology centers and valve production facilities are located in Finland, the United States, Germany, China, South Korea, India and Brazil.

About Södra Cell

Södra is an economic association with a membership base of 51,000 forest owners in southern Sweden. Södra has built up a considerable production of paper pulp, wood products and biofuels. Södra employs about 3,800 people and has four business areas: Södra Skog, Södra Cell, Södra Timber and Södra Interiör.

Södra Cell is one of the world's largest market pulp suppliers, with a total annual production of 1.6 million tons.

Metso is the world's leading industrial company in the mining and aggregates industries and in the flow control business. Our knowledge, people and solutions help drive sustainable improvements in performance and profitability in our customers' businesses.

Metso has an uncompromising attitude towards safety. Our products range from mining and construction equipment and systems to industrial valves and controls. Our solutions are delivered and supported by decades of process knowledge and a broad scope of services backed by a global footprint of over 90 service centers, thousands of service employees, and an extensive logistics network.

Metso is listed on the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki, Finland. In 2014, Metso's net sales totaled EUR 3.7 billion. Metso employs approximately 14,000 industry experts in more than 50 countries. Expect results.

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For further information, please contact:

Tom Adolfsson, Director, Sales and Services Flow Control, Sweden tel. +46 731 4890, email: tom.adolfsson(at)metso.com

Jussi Ollila, Vice President, Global Communications, Metso Corporation, tel. +358 20 484 3212, email: jussi.ollila(at)metso.com