Australian Paper Signs Multi-Year Agreement with Metso to Manage Maintenance at Maryvale Mill

Australian Paper has signed a multi-year agreement with Metso, Finland, to manage maintenance operations at its Maryvale Mill in Victoria, Australia. Metso will manage all maintenance systems and procedures at the mill and be responsible for optimizing maintenance costs and developing maintenance quality. The agreement became effective June 1. The value of the agreement was not disclosed.

The Maryvale Mill has three pulp lines, five papermaking machines, an ECF bleach plant, pulp lapping machine, finishing facility, and a wastepaper processing plant. The objective of the agreement with Metso is to achieve world-class maintenance standards at the Maryvale Mill. Metso will assist Australian Paper with the skills development of maintenance staff and employees, as well as with improved planning and productivity. Metso's mill maintenance model optimizes the use of Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), Metso's streamlined reliability centered maintenance (Applied RCM), and condition-based maintenance. The model ensures the highest possible equipment efficiency and cost optimization.

"We are pleased to announce Metso will be our Alliance partner to work with Australian Paper to achieve world-class maintenance," says Jim Henneberry, CEO, Australian Paper. "Metso is a world-class maintenance supplier and original equipment manufacturer to the pulp and paper industry globally. Its significant worldwide expertise and professionalism will greatly benefit our operations at Maryvale."

Australian Paper is Australia's largest producer of fine papers for print and office applications, and also produces high-quality packaging papers. Australian Paper employs more than 1,400 Australians and supplies more than 500,000 metric tpy of product within Australia and around the world. The company is part of Nippon Paper Group that consists of approximately 180 affiliates and related companies. The Maryvale Mill is Australia's largest integrated fine paper and packaging papers complex.

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