Nine Dragons Orders Fifth, Sixth Successive Valmet Containerboard Machines

 

Valmet, Finland, will supply two more containerboard production lines with related automation systems for Nine Dragons Industries Co., China. The four previous machines (orders published in 2017) were PM 39 and PM 40, PM 41 and PM 42. The latest two production lines will be located in Dongguan (PM 43) and Quanzhou (PM 45) and are similar to the previous four containerboard production lines. 

The value of the orders for PM 43 and PM 45 were not disclosed. However, according to Valmet, the value of an order of this type and scale is typically around EUR 90-110 million.

 

 

The two new containerboard production lines will be designed to produce high-quality testliner grades out of 100% recycled raw materials, as are the four production lines ordered last year. The startups of PM 43 and PM 45 are scheduled to take place within a few months' timeframe in 2019. The startups of the four previous production lines are scheduled to take place a few months apart from each other starting from mid-2018. 

"Nine Dragons is committed to produce high quality containerboard products. We can deliver this promise with Valmet's technically advanced board machines. Advanced technology and the modern and distinctive industrial design were certainly important factors in these decisions. I'm pleased that Nine Dragons has had such a good cooperation with Valmet in the negotiations of these six machines and all of the previous projects," said MC Liu, deputy chairman and CEO of Nine Dragons.

"Nine Dragons' decision to purchase six-in-a-row energy and resource efficient containerboard machines is quite exceptional. The company values our innovative, modernly designed and sustainable board making technology. We are pleased to continue the good cooperation with Nine Dragons," said Jari Vähäpesola, president of Paper Business Line, Valmet.

Valmet's deliveries for PM 43 and PM 45 containerboard lines are similar to the four previous ones. The deliveries will include steam and condensate systems, broke collection pulpers for stock preparation, and a board machine from headbox to winder, including a full scope automation package and process ventilation equipment. 

The containerboard machines will include OptiSizer Combi sizers combining both film and pond application for both sides. Film application is an optimal solution for lower basis weight grades. Pond application is for substantially higher basis weight grades needing higher penetration. This combination gives flexibility and opportunities to optimize the properties of different grades. 

As in the previous orders, the full scope automation packages include Valmet DNA process and machine controls and condition monitoring. Board final quality is managed with Valmet IQ quality control system, comprehensive range of profilers as well as web inspection and monitoring system. The deliveries also include modern analyzers from pulping and wet end to laboratory testing. 

PM 43 and PM 45 will produce testliner grades with a basis weight range of 75-140 gsm. 

Founded in 1995, Nine Dragons Paper Group is the world's largest in recovered paper based paper manufacturing in terms of production capacity. The company and its subsidiaries produce linerboard, high performance corrugating medium, and coated duplex board. The group's paper machines in China are located in a number of locations. The group produces printing and writing paper in Dongguan and Taicang and packaging paperboard and specialty paper in Leshan, Sichuan Province. The group has also acquired 100% control equity interest in Hebei Yongxin Paper Co.