The Toscotec (Italy)-supplied AHEAD-2.0 tissue machine at Fortissue S.A., the new productive division of Suavecel S.A based in Viana do Castelo, Portugal, in the coastal and delta region of Rio Lima about 75 km north of Porto, has successfully started up. The machine came easily on stream after the commissioning period and is now producing high quality tissue products according to the guaranteed technological parameters, Toscotec reports.

Due to the excellent cooperation between Fortissue and Toscotec the line started up smoothly on schedule, 18 months after the order signature of the turn key contract.

The new Toscotec's line, based on the best available technology, includes an AHEAD-2.0 crescent former tissue machine with TT Headbox-MLT double-layer, a steel yankee dryer (TT SYD-16FT), Milltech hood, and steam and condensate and dust removal systems.

The supply also includes a stock preparation plant for virgin pulp, vacuum plant, boiler plant, air compressors, and the electrification and control system. A three-unwind-stands tissue slitter/rewinder TT WIND-H and an automatic roll handling system complete the delivery.

The project has been fully managed by Toscotec on an EPC (engineering, procurement, and construction) basis.

With a net web width of 2,820 mm and a maximum drying capacity of 120 metric tpd, the new tissue line has a capacity of 35,000 metric tpy, making Suavecel active in the entire tissue production process. 

The combination of technical expertise with the right equipment and tools required for a superior productive performance was the key to success for this project, and it largely accounts for the increasing growth that Suavecel has been experiencing since 1996, the year of its foundation. Before startup of the new machine, the Portuguese company was engaged in the transformation of paper, namely producing toilet paper, paper towel, pocket tissues, and paper napkins, but also offering some products for the away-from-home (AfH) sector. 

"Throughout the years," Nuno Ribeiro, CEO of Fortissue and Suavecel, said, "our company has successfully met the challenges, based on its ability for a sustainable growth along with suitable development policies, as the notion of growth does not necessarily mean improvement. The company has made a considerable investment effort in capital and human resources to achieve the winning combination of these two concepts."