Norske Skog to Rebuild, Convert Australian PM from Newsprint to LWC Grades

Norske Skog, Norway, has ordered from Metso, Finland, a grade conversion rebuild from newsprint to lightweight coated (LWC) grades for PM 2 at its Boyer mill in Tasmania, Australia. The rebuilt production line will be fully operational after several phases of rebuild during the first quarter of 2014. The value of the order was not disclosed.

The main target of the rebuild is to convert the newsprint machine into a competitive lightweight coated paper (LWC) production line. The delivery also includes a cooperation agreement aimed at achieving key objectives of the conversion.

The future capacity of PM 2 after the rebuild will be 140,000 metric tpy of lightweight coated grades.

Metso's delivery will include a rebuild of the existing machine calender and a new ValSizer sizing section, a coating preparation and supply system, a TurnDry Compact air dryer, an OptiLoad calender, a ValReel reeler, a WinBelt C winder, and parent roll handling equipment.

Norske Skog has 11 wholly and partly-owned mills in nine countries, and is one of the world's largest producers of publication papers for publisher of newspapers, magazines, and periodicals, as well as grades for advertising purposes.

TAPPI
http://www.tappi.org/