The Metso-supplied fine paper production line, PM 1, of Zhanjiang Chenming Pulp & Paper Co., Ltd. came successfully on stream on September 1, 2011 at the company’s greenfield pulp and paper mill in Zhanjiang City, Guangdong Province, China.

The 11.15-m-wide PM 1 has an annual dimensional production capacity of close to 600,000 tonnes of wood free uncoated printing paper within the basis weight range of 45 to 120 g/m2. The design speed is 2,000 m/min.

Geng GuangLin, Director and Deputy General Manager of Zhanjiang Chenming Pulp & Paper Co., Ltd. is satisfied with Metso and the co-operation during the project.

Metso’s delivery included a complete OptiConcept paper machine from headbox to reel, a comprehensive Metso automation system package, air and chemical systems as well as two WinDrum Pro winders.

The new paper machine comprises an OptiFlo Pro headbox, an OptiFormer shoe and blade gap former and an OptiPress two-shoe nip press. The paper machine includes a SymRun drying section with OptiDry Twin and OptiDry Horizontal impingement drying units for improved runnability and increased drying capacity. The new PM 1 also comprises an OptiSizer film sizer, an OptiSoft SlimLine double-soft nip calender, an OptiReel Plus reel and an OptiCart parent reel cart.

“The new PM 1 features a lot of new technology. Right from the start-up, the operation of the line has met the targets. In particular, the paper quality has been good,” says Mark Singler, Metso’s Paper Technology Manager.

Zhanjiang Chenming is part of Shandong Chenming Paper Holdings Limited, one of the biggest paper producers in China. In 2010, the company’s paper production capacity was over 4 million tons, turnover over EUR 2 billion and the number of employees approx. 17,000.