Bekaert Solaronics supplied Ahlstrom-Munksjö Arches with two 2-rows UniDryer® V3 hoods for drying of abrasive paper base after size press on its PM4.

Ahlstrom-Munksjö Arches (formerly known as Arjowiggings Arches) is the oldest customer of Bekaert Solaronics. The first IR drying system was installed in 1966 on the PM5. Since then, Ahlstrom-Munksjö Arches continued to count on Bekaert Solaronics for all its projects as seven infrared drying systems have been installed in the paper mill. 

The main objectives of the new UniDryer® V3 are to dry efficiently the paper coats and achieve guaranteed moisture at the inlet of sizer 2.

The UniDryer® V3 is a very compact system in which high performance gas infrared emitters are alternated with high temperature and velocity air nozzles without requiring a heat exchanger or an external gas burner. These features result in a fast heat-up, a high evaporation rate and ultimately in better product quality.

About Ahlstrom-Munksjö Arches SAS
The Arches mill was founded in 1492. Acquired by the international paper group Munksjö in 2011, the Arches paper mill employs today 470 people and possesses a wide range of machinery, including 7 paper-making machines and three rotary presses.  Ahlstrom-Munksjö Arches produces decor papers, abrasive backing papers, fine art papers and papers for art publishing.

About Bekaert and Bekaert Solaronics
Bekaert is a world market and technology leader in steel wire transformation and coating technologies. We pursue to be the preferred supplier for our steel wire products and solutions by continuously delivering superior value to our customers worldwide. Bekaert (Euronext Brussels: BEKB) is a global company with almost 30 000 employees worldwide, headquarters in Belgium and € 4.4 billion in annual revenue. Founded in 1967, Bekaert Solaronics supplies customized drying and heating systems based on gas and electrical infrared technology to a wide range of industries. Today, more than 1 000 systems have been installed worldwide. The company also provides maintenance services and is available to assist on upgrades or improved energy efficiency of existing systems.

Pulp production grew 5.1% in the first quarter of 2017 compared to the same period last year, totaling 6.32 million tons against 6.02 million in 2016. In the wood panels segment, exports are in the spotlight with a growth of 39.8%, reaching 376,000 cubic meters sold abroad between January and April this year. Meanwhile positive results continue for paper, with exports reaching 702,000 tons sold during the period; this represents growth of 1.9% compared to the same period of 2016, when 689,000 tons were traded.

Check out the other performance indicators for the planted tree industry in the 36th edition of Cenários Ibá, the monthly bulletin of the Brazilian Tree Industry.

Export volume - In the first four months of 2017, the volume of pulp exports reached 4.34 million tons. This is an increase of 1.6% over the same period in 2016, when 4.28 million tons were exported. The paper sector recorded exports of 702,000 tons (+1.9%) and wood panels reached 376,000 cubic meters (+39.8%).

Export revenue - From January to April 2017 the sector recorded exports of US$ 2.6 billion, 1.7% lower than this figure for the same period in 2016; pulp reached US$ 1.87 billion (-2.2%), paper registered US$ 601 million (-3.2%), and wood panels US$ 86 million (+24.6%). As a result, the balance of trade in the sector registered a positive balance of US$ 2.24 billion during the first four months of the year (-0.5% compared to 2016).

Export destinations - More than 44% of the pulp Brazil exported went to China, representing income of US$ 829 million and a 26.6% increase over the first four months of 2017 and 2016. Latin American countries were the main markets for paper and wood panels in this period, with exports to this region totaling US$ 382 million (+10.4%) and US$ 48 million (+26.3%), respectively.

Production - Brazilian pulp production surpassed 6.3 million tons, growing 5.1% between January and April of 2017 in comparison with 2016, and paper registered 3.4 million tons (-1.7%).

Domestic sales - During the first four months of 2017, paper sales on the domestic market reached 1.69 million tons, a drop of 2.9% compared with the same period last year, while the wooden panel sector registered sales of 2.09 million m³ (-0.8%).

ABOUT IBÁ

The Brazilian Tree Industry (Ibá) is the association responsible for institutionally representing the planted tree production chain, from the fields to the factory, with its main stakeholders. Launched in April 2014, it represents 60 companies and nine state entities for products originating from planted trees (wood panels, laminate floors, pulp, paper, energy forests and biomass) in addition to independent producers of planted trees and institutional investors. Learn more at www.iba.org .

On Thursday May 4 Valmet Tissue Technology Center celebrated its thousandth external customer pilot trial in Karlstad, Sweden.  The very special occasion was celebrated together with the Tissue research cluster managed by RISE, who are conducting development work together with the Valmet R&D team.

The thousandth customer tissue trial were celebrated by the whole Valmet and RISE team

Valmet's Tissue Technology Center has a long history of being a base for Valmet's tissue technology research and development, as well as for joint development with customers. Many of the world's leading tissue producers have utilized this unique resource to develop and verify their products and processes, during the years.

"We are proud to announce the historic milestone of 1,000 pilot trials together with customers. Counted in trial days this results in well above 3,000 days of pilot machine operations. All these days and all great cooperation with tissue and paper producers from all over the world, as well as partner suppliers to the tissue industry has given us tremendous knowledge, experience and insights in the tissue making process. We are excited to continue this journey together with our customers," says Karl-Johan Tolfsson, Manager of Valmet Tissue Technology Center.  

Valmet Tissue Technology Center is a unique resource for cultivating and realization of ideas, innovations and verifying new technologies. It plays a significant role in Valmet's own tissue technology development but it is also utilized by our partners and customers to improve their product quality and machine performance and find the best solution for their requirements.

Eduardo Izquierdo, Director at FPC, part of the Tissue research cluster is checking the paper quality together with Karl-Johan Tolfsson, Manager of Valmet Tissue Technology Center

Valmet's own R&D centers and pilot machines form the backbone of the company's research and development work. Altogether, Valmet has 16 R&D centers and pilot facilities located in Finland, Sweden and Portugal.  Valmet's research and technology development work aims to ensure an advanced and competitive offering of technologies and services for current and future customers, enhance raw material efficiency, and promote the use of renewable raw materials.

Valmet is the leading global developer and supplier of process technologies, automation and services for the pulp, paper and energy industries. We aim to become the global champion in serving our customers.

Valmet's strong technology offering includes pulp mills, tissue, board and paper production lines, as well as power plants for bioenergy production. Our advanced services and automation solutions improve the reliability and performance of our customers' processes and enhance the effective utilization of raw materials and energy.

Valmet's net sales in 2016 were approximately EUR 2.9 billion. Our 12,000 professionals around the world work close to our customers and are committed to moving our customers' performance forward - every day. Valmet's head office is in Espoo, Finland and its shares are listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki.

The use of EdgeExpert makes it possible for paper manufacturers to precisely adjust the web edge of paper layers right from the headbox. This unique concept developed by Voith guides the high-quality virgin fibers right back into the material cycle. EdgeExpert can be used for both single- as well as multi-layer machines.

Without EdgeExpert, the entire web edge of the high-quality pulp layer is removed after the couching step, and then it is no longer possible for the high-quality pulp to be reused in the best quality layer. In the end, paper manufacturers can save raw materials worth much more than 100,000 € per year by adjusting the web edge with Edge Expert and the return directly after the headbox. An investment in EdgeExpert pays for itself after just a few months. Olivier Adt, Production manager at Smurfit Kappa, is convinced of the new EdgeExpert after the experiences with the PM 5 in Biganos, France: “We have been using the new system for several weeks now and have already been able to save 4% of white virgin fibers in the top layer. In addition, since the installation, we have benefited from the exact seal with the forming wire, without any pulp projection. There are also no fiber deposits on the system, thanks to the well-designed nozzles, allowing us to keep a very good uptime of the paper machine.”

It is easy and cost-effective to retrofit existing machines with EdgeExpert – regardless of the original machine manufacturer.

The technology of EdgeExpert is based on a specially developed design and results in a homogeneous jet even in the edge area. A perfect seal to the wire side helps to keep the wire edge as clean as possible and makes for a precise web edge. This not only makes the threading into the press section easier later on, but at the same time minimizes contamination and machine downtimes as well. Moreover, EdgeExpert consumes very little water thanks to the design of the nozzles.

In addition, the edge width can be independently varied from zero to 120 millimeters on both sides and set while production is running. This increases flexibility in paper production. The first models of EdgeExpert are already in use in three machines in Europe and South America.

It is easy and cost-effective to retrofit existing machines with EdgeExpert – regardless of the original machine manufacturer. The assembly process only takes a few hours during a scheduled downtime. Moreover, the easily operable swivel device makes it very easy to exchange the forming fabric.

Voith Paper is a Group Division of Voith and is one of the leading partners and pioneers in the paper industry. Through constant innovations, Voith Paper is optimizing the paper manufacturing process, focusing on developing resource-conserving products to reduce the use of energy, water and fibers. Furthermore, Voith Paper offers a broad service portfolio for all sections of the paper manufacturing process.

For 150 years, Voith’s technologies have been inspiring customers, business partners and employees worldwide. Founded in 1867, Voith today has around 19,000 employees, sales of €4.3 billion and locations in more than 60 countries worldwide and is thus one of the largest family-owned companies in Europe. Being a technology leader, Voith sets standards in the markets of energy, oil & gas, paper, raw materials and transport & automotive.

Huycon Forming Belts Selected for New Reicofil 4 Pilot Line

Xerium Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: XRM), a leading global provider of industrial consumable products and services, was recently presented an award for Participating Partner during the open house for The Nonwovens Institute (NWI) at North Carolina State University in Raleigh.

Randy Woodson - Chancellor N.C. State University (L), John Schauer - Global Product Manager - Nonwovens, Xerium (R) (Photo: Business Wire)The award was presented by N.C. State Chancellor Randy Woodson to Xerium’s John Schauer, Global Product Manager - Nonwovens.

The May 22^nd event and ribbon-cutting highlighted the NWI’s commissioning of its new world-class, 1 meter wide, Reicofil 4 bicomponent spunbond pilot machine.

Additionally, as a leading technical supplier of advanced forming belts for the global nonwoven fabric manufacturing industry, Xerium was also selected as supplier of choice for this new state-of-the-art pilot machine. The new machine will startup with Xerium’s Huycon line of products for spunmelt/meltblown production. In addition, Xerium will continue the advanced development of the Huycon forming belts portfolio utilizing the NWI’s vast research and development assets.

“We are truly honored to be such a close partner with The Nonwovens Institute”, said Bill Butterfield, EVP and CTO of Xerium. “We are also very proud to have been chosen as supplier of choice to run on the world’s newest and most advanced nonwoven pilot machine, and look forward to additional technical advancements from this partnership. This project would not have been possible without the guidance and leadership of Dr. Behnam Pourdeyhimi, Executive Director of The Nonwovens Institute, and I’d like to thank him publically for his support.”

The new Recofil R4 line consists of; Hills’ bicomponent and monofilament die packs, two unwinders, a thermobonding calendar from Andritz, two Perfojet hydroentanglement units, a kiss roll, through-air dryer and A.Celli winder and slitter.

ABOUT XERIUM TECHNOLOGIES

Xerium Technologies, Inc. (XRM) is a leading global provider of industrial consumable products and services. Xerium, which operates around the world under a variety of brand names, utilizes a broad portfolio of patented and proprietary technologies to provide customers with tailored solutions and products integral to production, all designed to optimize performance and reduce operational costs. With 28 manufacturing facilities in 13 countries around the world, Xerium has approximately 2,950 employees.

Source: Xerium Technologies, Inc.

The GapCon high end Tissue machine EconSOFT ERS, installed in Papelera Samseng (Argentina), with its standalone Extended Nip Module EconPRESS NExT, the unique design in the tissue field, is operating over 1.550 mpm from almost a month.

The first performance figures, in terms of dryness and bulk, are beyond expectations, confirming that this is the new winning tool. The Energy costs dramatically dropped down, with reference to vacuum and refining requirements, in comparison with same machine performances achieved in the first 3 months after the start-up, when it was set-up in a conventional Suction Press Roll configuration.

At the end of 2016, the Czech supplier of papermaking technology carried out an acquisition of another competitor from Western Europe with the aim to strengthen its market position for production of not only tissue papers.

The Czech company PAPCEL is a leading supplier of complete technology for production of all commercially available paper grades. In the last three years, the company PAPCEL realized the acquisitions of several competing companies from Western Europe, thus significantly strengthened its market position. This year, PAPCEL plans to reach the revenues level of 1.7 billion CZK.

By the end of 2016, the Italian company GapCon tissue S.r.l. joined the PAPCEL Group of companies. Following the acquisition of the Italian group Comecart (Burgo Group), the French company ABK Machinery and the Spanish company Gorostidi, another world famous manufacturer of technology for packaging grades as well as graphic and tissue papers joined the PAPCEL Group of companies.

The Italian GapCon is an established manufacturer of paper technology with a strong customer base in Europe, Asia and Latin America. GapCon owns a number of patented technologies. When delivering tissue technology, GapCon is one of the few suppliers offering a very unique concept of Shoe press positioning in the paper machine press part. GapCon employs almost 30 employees, has a very strong team of experts with experience acquired from many investment projects worldwide, supplies the paper machines on a turn-key basis and has a team of experts in engineering, assembly and commissioning. In its history, GapCon has executed a number of paper machine installations, in particular for the production of packaging grades and tissue paper.

Through the acquisition of GapCon, the Czech company PAPCEL has expanded the team of experts, strengthening the design department and manufacturing facilities. GapCon will become the competence centre for research, development and delivery of tissue machines. The synergy of the companies will allow extending the distribution network, increase direct sales and the number of reference projects.

GapCon has gained references in paper groups and paper mills as ProGest Group, Naini Group of Industries, KMK Paper, Arjo Wiggins, Georgia Pacific, Ecopaper, etc. At the beginning of this year, GapCon has successfully commissioned a new Tissue Machine in Argentina (machine width on reel 3,450 mm).

For the first time, the Group will be introduced at the exhibition Tissue World Milan, which will be held in April 2017.

Following the recent acquisition of GapCon tissue at the end of 2016, PAPCEL acquired another major player in the world market of papermaking industry - in April 2017, the company PAPCEL completed acquisition of the Italian company PMT Italia S.p.A.

The Czech company PAPCEL continues to make acquisitions of western competitors. A new member, the Italian manufacturer PMT Italia S.p.A. joined the PAPCEL Group of companies, consolidating its position among the world leading players supplying technology for the papermaking industry. Nowadays, PAPCEL Group comprises of leading and highly qualified patented technology suppliers with strong references worldwide. By merging with the Italian PMT, PAPCEL Group gains references in the USA and in China. This year PAPCEL expects to exceed the magical limit of revenues over 2 billion CZK for the entire Group of companies.

Management of the joint-stock company PAPCEL continues to purchase other western European papermaking manufacturers. The latest acquisition was made in April 2017, i.e. the acquisition of the Italian company PMT Italia S.p.A., based in Pinerolo. Thanks to the purchase of the Italian company Comecart, based in the town of Cuneo (former Burgo Group); the Czech PAPEL founded a manufacturing division PAPCEL Italy in 2015. Establishing the new manufacturing division significantly expanded the production potential, which is now being used by GapCon tissue S.r.l., a member of the Group. The Italian company PMT is completing a very strong group of companies and Italy is becoming a very strong technical-manufacturing “competence” centre for production of tissue papers, printing & writing papers and packaging paper grades. The purchase of manufacturing facilities from PMT premises expanded the manufacturing park and increased the production capacities.

The Italian company PMT is a world-known manufacturer and specialist in the supplies of technology for the production of graphic papers and packaging paper grades. By merging with PMT, the number of employees has increased by more than 70 for the whole Group. The design “know-how” of the company has broadened, including direct sales.
The Italian PMT is a specialist in the supplies of machines with width over 5,000 mm. Over the last decade, the company has built more than 20 new paper machines and has carried out more than 100 refurbishments. The company has very strong references on the markets of Latin America, in China and the USA. The US and Australian markets where PMT has its sales agencies expanded the business portfolio of the entire Group. The company PMT Italia S.p.A. offers and supplies complete paper machines with very advanced solutions.

In the past 5 years, the PAPCEL Group has achieved its greatest historical achievements under the leadership of Mr. David Dostál, the Managing Director of PAPCEL. The company has increased the number of employees (more than 370 people work in the Group). The company has significantly increased technological know-how and production portfolio. In 2017, the company expects growth in sales revenues and increase in customer portfolio.

Peter R. Augustine, President of Fabio Perini North America was named a 2017 TAPPI Fellow. TAPPI, a leading association for the global pulp, paper, packaging, tissue and converting industries honored Augustine with the title in Minneapolis, Minn., during PaperCon. The Fellow designation is given to less than three percent of the association’s membership based upon significant technical or service contributions to the industry and/or TAPPI.

Augustine joined Fabio Perini S.p.A. in 2011 as General Manager for North America and promoted to his current position as President in 2013. He oversees the entire operation for Fabio Perini in North America, including strategic planning, sales and production. Augustine holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Wisconsin and an MBA from Purdue. He also served as a Captain in the United States Army.

During his tenure with Fabio Perini, the company has introduced several technological innovations for the tissue converting industry. These include ConstellationÔ and its Weareable remote service product. ConstellationÔ changed the tissue converting industry by providing control, quality and production efficiencies previously unavailable in the industry while Weareable offers unsurpassed ability to provide technical service even when on-site service is not available.

“Pete was brought to my attention a few years ago as a strong leader, futuristic thinker and a man of integrity,” said Larry Montague, TAPPI CEO & President. “He has certainly lived up to these descriptions. Our goal was to expand our reach into the tissue arena and eventually have a tissue division. His commitment to developing a strong global strategy for the tissue industry is evident. The name Pete Augustine and Fabio Perini has brought instant validity to the world that shows TAPPI and Fabio Perini are dedicated to tissue.”

Augustine currently serves on the TAPPI Board of Directors as its Vice Chair in addition to his duties as President of Fabio Perini North America.

COMPANY PROFILE

Fabio Perini S.p.A. was born in 1966 in Lucca, Italian hub and world tissue production and converting technology center. Today, with its 5 production facilities in Italy, the United States, Brazil and China, it helps its customers stay competitive and grow thanks to complete production solutions for converting and packaging. Technology, globalization and ongoing, continuous investments in research have led the company to stand out internationally and to be acknowledged as a true excellence in the world of tissue.

www.fabioperini.com

Valmet has been trusted as supplier for the rebuild of Alas Dorada's PM4 in El Salvador. The main target for the rebuild is to raise production capacity by increasing press dryness, and enable improved paper quality as a second stage. This will be achieved by installation of an Advantage ViscoNip press combined with an Advantage ReDry web heater. The start-up of the rebuilt machine is scheduled for end of the year 2017.

The order was included in Valmet's second quarter 2017 orders received. The value of the order will not be disclosed.

"We have evaluated several options carefully and found that Valmet's Advantage ViscoNip technology will provide the press dryness, capacity and product quality we are aiming for. We are also convinced that Valmet's technology, process skills and experience will ensure an efficient installation and reliable future operations," says Carlos Jerez, Technical Director, Alas Doradas.

"We are excited to support Alas Doradas in their technology upgrade to increase their production. We are also proud to have been chosen as supplier after their long and careful evaluation and we see this as a start of a long-lasting relation," says Kent Nika, Sales Manager, Tissue Mills unit, Valmet.

Technical information about the delivery

Valmet's delivery for the machine rebuild includes a replacement of a current suction press roll with an Advantage ViscoNip press for increased production, improved product quality and decreased energy consumption. A new Advantage ReDry web heater will further enhance the targets by utilizing exhaust air and humidity from the hood, to heat the web and thereby increase post pressure consistency.

Information about the customer Alas Doradas

Alas Doradas is one of the three main manufacturers of tissue paper in Central America. Alas Doradas is renowned for its "green practices," using 100% recycled paper as raw material for its production.  The plant, located in El Salvador, employs advanced European technology for the manufacturing of tissue paper products of the highest quality. At present, Alas Doradas serves basic population needs, producing toilet paper in single ply and double ply, paper napkins and kitchen towels.

Valmet is the leading global developer and supplier of process technologies, automation and services for the pulp, paper and energy industries. We aim to become the global champion in serving our customers.

Valmet's strong technology offering includes pulp mills, tissue, board and paper production lines, as well as power plants for bioenergy production. Our advanced services and automation solutions improve the reliability and performance of our customers' processes and enhance the effective utilization of raw materials and energy.

Valmet's net sales in 2016 were approximately EUR 2.9 billion. Our 12,000 professionals around the world work close to our customers and are committed to moving our customers' performance forward - every day. Valmet's head office is in Espoo, Finland and its shares are listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki.