von Drehle to Install New Advantage NTT Tissue Machine at Natchez

The von Drehle Corp., Hickory, N.C., USA, reports that it will significantly upgrade two of its tissue mills—at Natchez, Miss., and Cordova, N.C. The Natchez mill, located at the former site of the Mississippi River Pulp and Paper mill (which von Drehle acquired in early 2013), will reportedly receive a new Valmet Advantage NTT tissue machine, and a new yankee dryer will be installed at the Cordova mill. The new NTT machine is scheduled to come online in the fourth quarter of 2015. No details are yet available on the new yankee dryer at Cordova. 

The Advantage NTT concept, as described by Valmet, is designed for maximum flexibility and can easily swing between cost-efficient production of conventional tissue and high quality textured tissue. The machine has an engraved NTT belt that creates a unique textured surface. Using a fine NTT belt gives a soft conventional tissue roll, while a coarse NTT belt is used for top quality products with very high bulk. The energy consumption is significantly low compared with other tissue making processes, Valmet notes, since it relies on improved pressing to aid water removal. With the Advantage NTT process in textured mode, it is possible to achieve both high bulk and high dryness at the same time. 

"Textured mode" provides premium quality tissue grades. The NTT belt provides 50% - 100% more bulk and softness as well as increased water absorbency for use with towel and high bulk products. Fiber savings up to 30% can be obtained due to the increased bulk. As the textured pattern is made in the tissue making process, micro-embossing is not needed. 

"Plain mode" works well with bath and facial tissue. Increased pressing in combination with the plain NTT belt gives significant energy savings while at the same time providing very high softness. 

According to Valmet, the Advantage NTT technology is easy to operate, has high machine efficiency and operates at high speed. The operating cost is comparable to the Advantage DCT technology for textured tissue and less in conventional mode. It is particularly suited for production of premium quality bath, towel, facial and napkin grades from virgin or recycled pulp. The Advantage NTT concept is designed for maximum flexibility and can easily swing between cost-efficient production of conventional tissue and high quality textured tissue. 

"NTT technology provides von Drehle with premium away-from-home products using recycled or virgin fibers. These premium products will complement von Drehle's current brand offering and provide sales potential into new market channels for our customers," von Drehl said in a press release. 

Founded in 1974, the von Drehle Corp. produces towel, tissue, and dispenser products for the away-from-home market.