Metso Paper -rebuilt M-real Simpele BM 3 introduces revolutionary ValZone(TM) metal belt calender

Published Nov 20, 2006 14.00.00 +2 GMT

M-real Simpele’s BM 3 folding boxboard machine in Finland has been succesfully started up in April 2006 after an extensive rebuild project. The investment, which totalled over 60 million euros, features major improvements from the wet end to the finishing department, including two unique new products: a revolutionary ValZone(TM) metal belt calender and a space-saving PowerDry Plus air dryer.

The ValZone metal belt calender is one of the key elements in the rebuilt BM 3, and it is the latest innovation by Metso Paper. ValZone calender features a one-meter-long machine-direction calendering zone that provides considerable production potential. Not only has it simplified the whole boardmaking process, but it also increases production by removing process speed limits and bottlenecks. Based on the results gained since start-up, the ValZone calender has met the mill’s expectations with regard to production and quality.

Juha Kovanen, Mill Manager, M-real Simpele sums up the benefits: “ValZone calender represents a modern way of making coated board. In addition to increased production capacity, extremely high stiffness and bulk are achieved. This enables us to produce more square meters of board per ton. Improved yield compared to alternative board grades is one of the primary benefits. In terms of surface properties, the enhanced visual appearance has led to excellent printability and a decreased print mottling tendency.”

In the on-machine coater, the new one-sided PowerDry Plus non-contact air dryer features high drying capacity and excellent runnability. PowerDry Plus also significantly reduces the energy consumption compared to infra-red dryers.

Other major highlights of the rebuild include three new headboxes providing excellent formation and a new metered size press with a compact vertical design and an integrated supply system, facilitating uniform film profiles. Furthermore, a complete new finishing concept with a reel, winder and roll wrapping line is installed to ensure high efficiency and to preserve the quality generated earlier in the board making process. The investment further strengthens Simpele’s strong market position as a supplier of reliable and well-appreciated high performance paperboards. The total capacity of the board machine will gradually increase from 170,000 tonnes to 215,000 tonnes per year.

M-real Simpele is part of M-real’s Consumer Packaging Business area and one of M-real’s core production assets. The mill produces high-quality folding boxboard in weight range of 200…400 g/m2 for food and general packaging and graphical applications as well as one-side coated papers for flexpack and labels.

M-real Corporation, headquartered in Finland and employing over 15,000 people, is a European paper and paperboard company, providing premium solutions for consumer packaging, communications and advertising end-uses. Through its worldwide sales network, M-real serves its customers, mainly comprised of publishers, printers, paper merchants, offices and well-known consumer product companies and carton printers. M-real is listed on the Helsinki Stock Exchange. In 2005, the sales of the company totalled EUR 5.2 billion.

Metso is a global engineering and technology corporation with 2005 net sales of approximately EUR 4.2 billion. Its 22 000 employees in more than 50 countries serve customers in the pulp and paper industry, rock and minerals processing, the energy industry and selected other industries. www.metso.com

For further information, please contact: Mikko Tani Manager, Sales Tel. +358 40 564 2007 mikko.tani@metso.com