Metso to supply OptiConcept fine paper production line to Portucel Group in Portugal

Published Oct 29, 2007 09.00.00 +2 GMT

Metso Paper will supply an uncoated fine paper production line to Portucel Group. The new line will be located in the group's Setúbal mill in Portugal. The start-up of the production is scheduled for the third quarter of 2009. The value of the order is not disclosed. The market value of these types of fine paper production lines is approx. EUR 150 – 200 million, depending on the scope of delivery.

Metso's delivery will include a complete OptiConcept paper machine line from headbox to roll handling, with related air systems and some stock preparation equipment. The paper machine, which will have a wire width of 11.1 m, will produce close to 500,000 tonnes of uncoated fine papers annually. Metso Automation will supply an extensive automation package, which includes machine controls with runnability and condition monitoring systems.

The Portucel Group, with a net sales of approximately EUR 1.1 billion, has three mills producing pulp and paper, situated at Setúbal, Figueira da Foz and Cacia. The Setúbal mill currently houses three uncoated woodfree paper machines with a total capacity of 275,000 t/a and a 500,000 t/a bleached eucalyptus pulp mill. The new machine will boost Portucel's total uncoated fine paper capacity to over 1.5 million t/a.

For more information, please contact: Pertti Soikkanen Senior Vice President, Key Customer Accounts, Metso Paper, Inc. Tel. +358 40 546 0002, pertti.soikkanen@metso.com