Valmet to supply a paper machine rebuild for Sappi's mill in Austria

Valmet Corporation's press release on February 10, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. EET

Valmet will rebuild a paper machine at the Gratkorn mill of Sappi Austria Produktions GmbH in Austria. Valmet's large rebuild delivery will include the modernization of all the main sections of the paper machine and targets to improve end product quality. The rebuilt production line will start-up during the last quarter of 2014.

The order is included in Valmet's first quarter 2014 orders received. The value of the order will not be disclosed. The value of paper machine rebuilds depends on the scope of the delivery. This kind of line level rebuild is typically valued above EUR 20 million.

"Continuous improvement in both, cost and quality is always top of mind for us. We have a strong relationship with our customers and make a point of understanding their needs; this investment will ensure that we continue to meet them," says Max Oberhumer, Mill Director at Sappi Gratkorn Mill.

Valmet's solution for improving the papermaking capabilities

The modernization of the 9.25-m-wide (wire) PM 11 consists of headbox modification, gap former rebuild as well as press section and drying section rebuild. The forming section rebuild with new shoe and blade forming technology will improve the end product quality of coated woodfree paper grades. The modifications in the press section area will boost the runnability and give possibilities to widen the end product basis weight range.

Information about the Sappi Gratkorn mill

Sappi Gratkorn Mill in Gratkorn, Austria is part of Sappi Fine Paper Europe. Annually it produces 950,000 tons of high quality double and triple coated papers which are used for premium quality publications all over the world. Gratkorn Mill also produces 250,000 tons of totally chlorine free (TCF) chemical pulp. The mill employs 1,300 paper industry professionals from production to R&D. About 95% of the mill's production is exported.

The mill operates under management systems consisting of certified Environmental Management System (ISO 14001), Energy Management System (ISO 50001), Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSAS 18001), Quality Management System (ISO 9001) and Chain Of Custody Verification from the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC(TM)) scheme and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC®).

VALMET CORPORATION
Corporate Communications

Further information, please contact:
Kari Nettamo, Head of Paper Mills business unit, Valmet
tel. +358 40 759 4465

Harri A Heikkilä, Senior Sales Manager, Paper Business Line, Valmet
tel. +358 40 511 7093

Valmet Corporation is a leading global developer and supplier of services and technologies for the pulp, paper and energy industries. Our 11,000 professionals around the world work close to our customers and are committed to moving our customers' performance forward - every day.

Valmet's services cover everything from maintenance outsourcing to mill and plant improvements and spare parts. Our strong technology offering includes entire pulp mills, tissue, board and paper production lines, as well as power plants for bio-energy production.

The company has over 200 years of industrial history and was reborn through the demerger of the pulp, paper and power businesses from Metso Group in December 2013. Valmet's net sales in 2013 were approximately EUR 2.6 billion. Valmet's objective is to become the global champion in serving its customers.

Valmet's head office is in Espoo, Finland and its shares are listed on the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki Ltd.