Valmet, Finland, will deliver a new high capacity chipping line and chip handling system to Sappi Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd Saiccor mill. The upgrade targets to increase the chipping capacity, to improve chip quality and minimize wood losses. The chipper will be delivered and installed at the end of 2018 and the start-up is planned for January 2019.

"Valmet's high capacity drop feed chipper was found to be favorable for the new wood yard's current and future mill capacity requirement," said Ryno Eksteen, senior regional project manager at Sappi. 

 

"Valmet's wood handling business continues to flourish in the South African market area. With our biggest drop feed chipper this project will be extremely important to us and we are delighted that Sappi once again trusts our technology and capabilities. We look forward to working with the Sappi team," said Jussi Taskinen, manager, R&D, product portfolio and strategy at Valmet.

The order consists of a chipping line with a Camura GS1300 chipper and chip handling with storing and screening, including machinery, commissioning, training, and startup supervision. Mechanical installation of the chipping line is also being carried out by Valmet.

The Saiccor mill, situated 50 km south of the port of Durban in the province of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa, is one of the production facilities for Sappi Specialized Cellulose. The mill has the capacity to produce approximately 800,000 metric tons of elemental chlorine free (ECF) dissolving pulp (DWP) per annum, mostly for the export market. DWP is sold to converters to manufacture a wide range of consumer products, but in particular for viscose staple fiber (VSF) used in clothing and textiles.