Papier u. Kartonfabrik Varel to Rebuild, Expand Containerboard Machine

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Papier u. Kartonfabrik Varel, Germany, reports that it will reconstruct its PM 4 containerboard machine, beginning at the end of this year and extending into the summer of 2011, increasing capacity to above 300,000 metric tpy in the range of 120 gsm to 220 gsm. The mill's total capacity will rise from 500.000 metric tpy to 600.000 metric tpy.

In addition to reconstruction of the paper machine, the project will include an upgrade of the stock preparation unit. After completion of the reconstruction, the mill notes that it not only will be able to produce its current lineup of grades, but will also be able to supply growing markets of white liners with paper grades on a 100% recycled fiber basis.

"According to our current planning, about 50% of the tonnage from PM 4 will be reserved for production of white grades. The newly designed scheme for PM 4 as a multi-product-machine will also enable our mill to produce high performance fluting grades and kraftliner substitutes," the company explained, adding that "deckle will be kept at 510 cm until further notice, but all relevant components of the machine are designed for 530 cm deckle." The company also pointed out that "if the trend to broader corrugators continues, we could respond accordingly within the following years."

PM 5, which came on-steam in 2004 with its 560 cm deckle, "is already adapted to the latest development in low-grammage corrugating papers markets. Our today's production volume in our grades JadeWelle and JadeLiner will nearly be kept constant after implementation of reconstruction due to enlarged total capacity," the company said. "Our product portfolio will be completed by our new investment, which will enable our company to provide nearly the whole range of corrugating case materials for various corrugating applications requested by customers. Our large variety of products with remarkably high quality standards from one production site only is quite unique throughout Europe. Also our solid board division will be considered in our future investment scheme for further optimization of production. Finally, our mill will reach a capacity of more than 800.000 metric tons per year in paper and board products."

The first phase of the project begins with an expansion of the power plant. A new steam turbine will not only cover the additional demand in electricity and steam related to increased production capacity, but also increases the mill's energy efficiency as well as reduction in emissions.The project investment will total about EUR 100 million and will create some 15 new permanent jobs. The mill has a current employee force of about 415 people. Suppliers for the project will be selected in the coming weeks, the company notes.