Metso to supply fine paper machine to Sun Paper Group in China

Published Jan 15, 2009 15.00.00 +2 GMT

Metso will supply an uncoated fine paper machine to Yanzhou Huamao Paper Industry Co. Ltd., member of Sun Paper Group, in Yanzhou city in Shandong Province, China. The start-up of the production is scheduled for the first quarter of 2010. With the new line Sun Paper will be able to introduce a new classification for printing paper grades. The value of the order will not be disclosed. The market value of these types of fine paper production machines is approx. EUR 60 million, depending on the scope of the delivery.

Metso's delivery will include a complete paper machine from headbox to reel, with related automation systems. The paper machine is equipped with innovative process solutions, e.g. the first ValZone metal belt calender for fine paper. Thanks to metal belt calendering, the line will be able to produce top quality printing paper grades with excellent bulk and stiffness properties. The delivery is a repeat order of the ValZone technology as the Group’s coated board line PM 22 also is equipped with metal belt calendering.

The new paper machine, which will have a wire width of 7.85 m and a design speed of 1,600 m/min, will produce around 350,000 tonnes of uncoated fine papers annually. Metso’s local units in Finland and China will participate in the delivery. During the last eight years, Metso has supplied three board machines, one paper machine and a coating line to the Yanzhou mill.

Yanzhou Huamao Paper Industry Co. Ltd. belongs to Sun Paper Group, one of the foremost paper and board producers in China. Altogether the group runs 22 paper machines mostly producing printing and writing grades with a combined capacity well exceeding 2,200,000 t/y. Sun Paper Group employs more than 7,000 persons.

Metso is a global supplier of sustainable technology and services for mining, construction, power generation, automation, recycling and the pulp and paper industries. We have over 28,000 employees in more than 50 countries. www.metso.com

For more information, please contact: Jari Koikkalainen, Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Paper business line, Metso Tel. +358 40 838 8950, jari. koikkalainen@metso.com