Stora Enso to Rebuild, Convert PM 3 at Varkaus to Lightweight Containerboard

Stora Enso, Finland, has ordered form Valmet, Finland, an extensive rebuild for converting its Varkaus mill's PM 3 fine paper machine to produce lightweight containerboard grades. The target of the paper-to-packaging rebuild is to produce lightweight virgin fiber based packaging materials on a paper machine that previously produced fine paper, a grade that is suffering from decline in demand.

The rebuilt containerboard machine is scheduled to start up during the fourth quarter of 2015. The value of the order is around EUR 30 million. 

"This delivery is an excellent and innovative response to the structural change the paper industry is facing. By rebuilding the existing fine paper machine with new key components, Valmet can provide the customer with a value-adding solution that enables operations to continue in Varkaus," said Jari Vähäpesola, Valmet Paper Business Line president.

The employment impact of Valmet's project is expected to be in total around 100 man years of which the main part is in Finland.

Valmet's delivery will include a new headbox, forming section rebuild including fourdrinier extension with new top forming unit, press section rebuild with new SymBelt press nip as well as rebuilds of the dryer section, calender, reel, and winder. The delivery will also include a related air system as well as equipment for the stock preparation area.

Through the machine conversion, Stora Enso in taking advantage of the combination of two market forces: the decreasing global market for fine paper but increasing global market for renewable packaging board, Vakmet notes. 

Stora Enso employs some 29,000 people worldwide, and its sales in 2013 amounted to EUR 10.6 billion.