Valmet, Finland, will supply paper machine modifications and a new winder to Laakirchen Papier AG in Austria. Laakirchen Papier will convert its paper machine No. 10 (PM 10) to produce lightweight containerboard. Currently PM 10 is producing publication paper. Start up of the paper machine and the winder is scheduled for autumn of 2017.

The value of the order was not disclosed. However, Valmet noted that the value of an order of this type is typically EUR 5-10 million.

"With this investment, the product range of Laakirchen Papier will be widened into a growing market sector. Valmet's technology and vast reference list of high speed containerboard winders convinced us," said project manager Johann Stadlmayr and Production Manager Jan Reibert from Laakirchen Papier.

Valmet's delivery includes a press section upgrade, relocation and modification of the existing reel, and one OptiWin Drum two-drum winder. The winder is equipped with Valmet Dual Unwind, the company’s new two-unwind system. This new feature makes it possible to change the parent roll in only one minute.

 

 

"Grade conversion projects often include a production change from two winders to one high capacity winder to increase mill's automation level. This also is the case with Laakirchen PM 10. A Valmet high capacity winder with two-unwind will do the demanding job," said Kenneth Åkerlund, product manager, Valmet Winders and Reels.

The 7,500-mm-wide (reel) on PM 10 will produce containerboard products with a basis weight range of 70 gsm upwards. After the full extension, the annual production of PM 10 will reach 450,000 metric tons. 

Laakirchen Papier AG is part of Heinzel Group, which is united under the Heinzel Holding umbrella. The group ranks among the largest producers of market pulp and magazine paper in Central and Eastern Europe. Laakirchen Papier produces SC paper, a high-gloss publication paper for magazines, catalogs and printed advertising material. The paper production amounts to 50,000 metric tpy, manufactured on two paper machines—PM 10 and PM 11.