Kimberly Clark de México S.A.B. de C.V.'s seventh tissue machine, supplied by Valmet (Finland), was recently started up at the Bajío mill in San Juan del Rio, Mexico. The new Advantage DCT 200TS tissue line adds 60,000 metric tpy of high quality tissue paper to the current production of facial, toilet, napkin, and towel per year. The project was started in 2013.

 

The Bajío mill now operates four tissue machines of which two are supplied by Valmet. The mill produces structured tissue products for the domestic and global markets. 

 

"We are pleased with the overall execution and startup of the Bajío No. 4 machine. Our internal team of project engineers developed the site, oversaw engineering, procurement, and machine installation with very good support from Valmet throughout the process. The machine is currently operating as expected after a very short startup curve, thanks to the strong involvement by Valmet and the mill's manufacturing staff," said Bernardo Aragón, Kimberly Clark de Mexico's operations director.

 

"This successful project and startup is another milestone in our excellent relationship with Kimberly Clark de México. The check out and commissioning were done in a record setting pace thanks to very good cooperation and planning. This startup also marks the first Advantage ViscoNip press in North America as part of an Advantage DCT machine," said Jan L Larsson, sales director, Tissue Mills Business Unit, Valmet.

 

The tissue machine has a width of 5.4 meters and a design speed of 2,000 m/min. and is optimized to save energy and to enhance final product quality.

 

Valmet's delivery included a complete tissue production line featuring stock preparation system and an Advantage DCT 200TS tissue machine. The tissue machine is equipped with an OptiFlo headbox and a cast alloy yankee cylinder. It is also featured with the Advantage tissue technology, including a ViscoNip press for improved press dryness, an AirCap hood with air and heat recovery system, as well as a SoftReel reel with center wind assist. 

 

Valmet's project scope included basic mill engineering, process equipment and process ventilation, as well as the installation supervision, training, and commissioning of the new tissue line. The delivery also included an automation package from Metso with the process control system. 

Kimberly Clark de México S.A. B. de C.V. was founded in 1959 and is a leading tissue producer in Mexico. The company operates five tissue mills in Mexico producing facial, toilet, napkin, and towel grades for the domestic consumer and away-from-home markets, as well as for exports. Through the new investment, the total production capacity of Kimberly-Clark de México will be approximately 700,000 metric tpy.