Tuesday, January 31, 2023
Valmet will provide a comprehensive rebuild for Sappi’s Somerset paper manufacturing facility in Skowhegan, Maine, the United States. With the immense success of the earlier repair of the paper machine 1 (PM1), Sappi once again chose Valmet to rebuild the paper machine 2. (PM2). The order is one of those received by Valmet in the fourth quarter of 2022. Although the amount of the order will not be disclosed, it generally costs between 90 and 120 million euros.
The machine’s annual capacity will rise from 240,000 tonnes to 470,000 tonnes as a result of the PM2 conversion from coated woodfree graphic paper to solid bleached sulphate board. The refurbished machine is expected to begin operating in the middle of 2025.
Aligned with Thrive25 strategic focus
“Valmet has proven to be a trusted supplier to Sappi over the years and we’re pleased to work with them again on our PM2 project. This investment is fully aligned with our Thrive25 strategic focus to reduce our exposure to graphic paper and transition our portfolio to packaging and specialty papers, pulp and biomaterials,” says Michael Haws, President and CEO, Sappi North America.
“We look forward to continued collaboration with Sappi North America, and we thank them for their partnership on another conversion project. We know the demand for packaging and specialty papers in North America is high and we’re confident that through our combined efforts, we’ll meet future market needs,” says Jukka Tiitinen, Area President, North America, Valmet.
Technical information
PM2 will be rebuilt using some of the most advanced packaging manufacturing technology to produce a variety of both packaging and coated paper products. Valmet’s delivery will include a number of modifications and new machine parts in the existing machine to meet the requirements of the new packaging grades. In addition, the mill will benefit from Valmet Industrial Internet and Automation Solutions including a new Quality Measurement System, a Process Control System (DCS and Valmet DNA), web monitoring and web inspection systems.
Tags: Maine, paper machine, Thrive25, USA, Valmet, wood, woodworking, woodworking and manufacturing, woodworking event, woodworking industry, woodworking USA
