Saica Containerboard, U.K., reports that it's Metso (Finland)-supplied new containerboard production line, PM 11, successfully came on-stream on January 15 at Partington, near Manchester in the U.K. The record-breaking startup speed was 1,105 m/min with a basis weight of 95 gsm.
Three days later, on January 18, the first sellable paper reels were produced and tested, leaving the mill and reaching the first customers shortly afterwards.
Francisco Carilla, industrial projects director, Saica, and Federico Asensio, deputy managing director, Saica Paper, reported to be very satisfied with the Metso teams at all project stages. "In commercial proposals, design, construction, startup, and maintenance activities, the Metso teams' efforts responded to our requirements, taking into consideration our papermakers' technical advice and previous projects experiences," they said.
The new 8.2-m-wide PM 11 has an annual production capacity of approximately 400,000 metric tons of lightweight testliner and fluting grades in the basis weight range of 75 to 125 gsm, out of 100% recycled raw material. The design speed is 1,700 m/min.
Metso's delivery included a complete OptiConcept board-making line from headbox to reel with an approach flow system, pulpers, air systems, press section clothing, and a high-capacity WinDrum Pro winder. A comprehensive Metso DNA automation package included process, machine, and quality controls as well as machine condition monitoring. A Metso DNA process control system was also supplied for the mill's new heat and power station and effluent treatment plant.
Metso Mill Service will have full responsibility for the mill maintenance operations as well as for maintenance management of continuous improvement programs for the OCC stock preparation system, board production line, power stations, and wastewater treatment plant at the Partington mill.
Saica Containerboard UK is a subsidiary of SAICA, a privately owned Spanish company and a world leader in the production of corrugated containerboard from recovered paper. The company currently employs more than 8,000 people in Spain, France, Portugal, Italy, Ireland, and the U.K. SAICA has an annual turnover of EUR 1.8 billion.
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