Von Drehle to Install First U.S. NTT Tissue Line at Natchez Mill

Von Drehle Corp., Hickory N.C., USA, will be the first tissue maker in the U.S. to produce tissue with Valmet's flexible Advantage NTT technology. The new line will be installed at the company's facility in Natchez, Miss., USA. Startup of the new line is planned to be in late 2015. The value of the order has not been disclosed.

Von Drehle is currently operating two Advantage DCT tissue machines at its Cordova, N.C., operation. The Advantage NTT technology is designed for maximum flexibility as well as enhanced product quality and can easily swing between production of conventional tissue to textured tissue in just a few hours. It has been well received by the market and this will be the fourth NTT machine in production. The first Advantage NTT line was started up in Mexico in 2013 and two more lines are planned to be in production in Chile and Abu Dhabi in 2014 and 2015.

"Valmet is one of our long time trusted suppliers. As we studied different tissue machine technologies, energy efficiency, flexibility, and potential for optimizing use of our recycled fiber furnish were critical. Process and operation review made the Valmet NTT technology the obvious choice for production of tissue and towel products at our Natchez Facility," said Joe Pankratz, V.P. of Manufacturing, von Drehle Corp.

"This will be the first Valmet's Advantage NTT installation in the U.S. and we are all delighted to work with von Drehle in yet another project. We will deliver this project as a showcase in the industry," said Soren Eriksson, account sales manager, Tissue Mills Business Unit, Valmet.

The new tissue machine will have a width of 2.6 meters and a design speed of 2,000 m/min. The raw material for the new line will be recycled fiber and the production line is optimized to save energy and fiber as well as add possibilities for product differentiation and increased capacity of premium quality products.

Valmet's scope of delivery will comprise a complete tissue production line including an Advantage NTT 100HS tissue machine. The tissue machine will be equipped with an OptiFlo headbox and a cast alloy yankee cylinder. It will also be featured with the Advantage tissue technology, including an AirCap hood and a SoftReel. Basic mill engineering, process equipment, and process ventilation are also included in the scope. Furthermore, the delivery will include an automation package from Metso Automation with the process control system. Installation supervision, training, and commissioning, as well as product development support are part of the delivery.

Von Drehle Corp. established in 1974, currently operates tissue mills in Cordova, Maiden, Memphis, and Las Vegas. The company provides quality towel, tissue, and dispenser products for the Away from Home market in North America.