Sipat Rebuilding Tissue Machine to Meet Growing Market Demands in Morocco

Sipat S.A, Moroco, has awarded a contract to Toscotec, Italy, for the rebuild of its PM 2 tissue machine at Meknes, Morocco. Startup of the rebuilt machine is scheduled for the fourth quarter of this year. The project goal is to meet growing market demands in terms of product quality and production capacity, as well as to reduce energy consumption.

Sipat S.A.—Societé Industrielle Des Papiers Tissues—established in 1978, is owned by the El Kendouci family. With a production capacity of 16.000 metric tpy, the company is able to supply the Moroccan market, which absorbs 70% of its capacity, with the remainder exported to Senegal and Tunisia. The company produces mainly facial tissue, followed by toilet rolls, napkins, and kitchen towels.

Toscotec 's delivery includes a major rebuild of the original Toschi sloped wire forming section, which will be replaced with a Modulo Plus type crescent former with TT Headbox SL-T, a rebuild of the existing approach system and the felt run, as well as YD doctoring system. Electrification and a new machine control system will complete the package. The project will be handled on a turnkey basis, including dismantling of the existing equipment, installation of the new machinery, startup assistance, and training services. The new machine parts will be designed for an operating speed up to 1,300 m/min, with a reel width of 2,750 mm.

In 2009 Toscotec modified the dry end of the same machine with the installation of a new steel dryer TT SYD (2,500 mm) and relevant accessories. The project significantly improved Sipat’s energy savings and boosted production by 30%.

According to Managing Director Driss El Kendouci, Sipat‘s growth in the tissue sector will be between 8% and 10%, and the new investment will have a fast pay-back. "There has been an evolution," he says. "In Africa, there has been more demand for quality, whether from Westerners driving the need, or from more and more people moving from the countryside into cities."

TAPPI
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