Sappi, Brussels, Belgium, a global producer of dissolving wood pulp, specialty and packaging papers, graphic (printing and writing) paper, and biomaterials is investing in its mill in Gratkorn, Austria.

After finishing the upgrade of PM 11 in November 2014, PM 9 will be upgraded in 2019 to the current state of the art. The aim of the project is, in addition to the exchange of technical components, to operate the papermaking process with a reduced energy demand and thus to sustainably reduce the environmental impact. Another effect of the upgrade is the optimization of raw materials to reduce production costs. 

The project has a total investment of approximately EUR 30 million and is scheduled to be realized in the first half of 2019. It will be carried out in cooperation with Valmet, Finland, which also carried out the upgrade of PM 11.

 

 

Max Oberhumer, mill director of Sappi Gratkorn, is pleased about the approval of this project: "In addition to the renewal of important components on the paper machine, the significant improvement in energy efficiency is another milestone in our efforts to achieve sustainable business."

Steffen Wurdinger, VP manufacturing, R&D and technology of Sappi Europe, points out the importance of the project: "The approved investment consolidates Sappi Europe's position in this product segment. The reliability of the product quality as well as the machine’s competitiveness will be strengthened through this project."

Gratkorn Mill is an integrated mill situated on either side of the river Mur near Graz (Austria). The mill produces high quality multi-coated papers, which are used for premium quality publications all over the world. 

Gratkorn Mill produces 980,000 metric tpy of high-quality double and triple coated papers, which are used for premium quality publications all over the world. The mill produces 250,000 metric tpy of totally chlorine free (TCF) chemical pulp for its own consumption and it has an annual sheet finishing capacity of 875,000 metric tons. About 95% of the mill’s production is exported. Gratkorn Mill has around 1,240 employees.