TM 5 Successfully Starts up at Universal Paper Manufacturers'

In December 2014, PMP (Paper Machinery Producer) signed a contract with Universal Paper Manufacturers (UPM), part of the Universal Paper group, for a turnkey greenfield tissue mill based on Intelli-Tissue Advanced 1600 tissue making line. TM 5 was successfully started up on February 19 at UPM’s Ga-Rankuwa mill in South Africa.

In 2014 UPM made a decision regarding a significant expansion plan to shift its family-owned business to the next level by creating a greenfield tissue mill. Universal Paper’s biggest goal has been to become the preferred tissue supplier in the Southern Africa region, offering a wide span of ultra-premium, 100% virgin fiber-based tissue paper products. Its mission is to develop innovative products for the most demanding consumers adding flavors of creativity and education. Universal Paper branded products (FSC-certified) have already gained a significant number of enthusiasts who are interested with their uniqueness on a worldwide scale. Universal Paper is the manufacturer of Dinu, one of South Africa's leading household tissue brands.

The project was named "Gold Eagle". Its goals were to double the annual capacity of UPM and to widen its product portfolio adding ultra-premium tissue products. PMP’s Intelli-Tissue Advanced 1600 Crescent Former tissue making line was the best solution for UPM’s defined needs.

PMP’s scope of delivery covered: collaboration with the building design engineers, a tissue making line (starting from stock preparation, a broke line, stock approach, baseplates, a tissue machine itself and a shaft puller), all auxiliary systems (a lubrication system, a steam and condensate system, a dust removal system, DCS, QCS, mechanical drives), field installations (pre-piping and pre-conduit) as well as engineering services (pre-erection, erection and start-up supervision). UPM’s Intelli-Tissue® Advanced 1600 has a total capacity of 28 000 tons/yr (operating speed 1,600 m/min, reel trim 2,670 mm), depending on the tissue grade (basis weight at reel from 13 to 40 gsm). An applied technology (PMP Intelli-Jet V® single layer hydraulic headbox, a Crescent Former Intelli-Former®, Intelli-Press® with a single press configuration, equipped with a 16-ft steel Yankee Dryer - Intelli-YD® a steam heated hood and PMP Intelli-Reel® is focused to ensure the best quality of the final product: softness at a premium level and excellent hand feel to open the door to new market niches. In addition, applied state-of-the art PMP Intelli-Tissue technology ensures ultra-low media consumption. 

The "Gold Eagle" project was implemented based on a philosophy of Premium Quality & Reliability. The investment has been the biggest in UPM’s history taking its value and scope into account. Also it is the first new high speed tissue line installed in South Africa within the last 20 years.

After a successful and smooth startup, both companies are ready to say that "Gold Eagle" has spread its wings empowering the future of UPM and bringing all involved pride and satisfaction.

Universal Paper Manufacturers (UPM) – is one of Universal Paper’s business units and is the sister company to Universal Paper & Plastics (UPP). Both companies are still family owned. UPP was established by the Sher family in 1950 and has operated successfully for over 67 years. The company started as a manufacturer of various paper and plastic products, and has grown significantly since inception. However, during this time, its direction has changed – with the discontinuation of product lines in the plastics industry, while continuing to supply the tissue paper industry. The company has vertically integrated, by manufacturing raw materials within the inks and paper industry. Today, the focus is on high quality printed serviettes and napkins, bathroom tissue, household towels and hankies.