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Södra Ädla is a new partner of Nordic Forestry Automation (NFA). The company develops next-generation operator support systems for forest machines based on sensor technology from autonomous vehicles and AI algorithms. The investment is done together with Sveaskog and Almi Invest Syd and comprises a total of SEK 10 million.

Thinning a forest involves constant decision-making about which, and how many, trees to harvest in order to best promote the various values of the forest. How the thinning operation is carried out is important for the long-term development of the forest, but is usually done manually and based on the experience of each individual operator. To make the thinning task easier, Nordic Forestry Automation (NFA) has developed an AI-based system to continuously support the operator in forest management decisions.     

The company started in 2021 based on the founders’ research work on self-driving vehicles and AI algorithms. The founders met during their PhD studies through the national Swedish research initiative Wallenberg AI, Autonomous Systems and Software Program (WASP). NFA recently received investment capital of SEK 10 million from Södra’s investment company Södra Ädla, Sveaskog and Almi Invest.

“Forest thinning is a craft that requires 100-percent focus and takes several years to master. The total cognitive load is comparable to that of a fighter pilot. Sensor-based operator support provides better conditions for operators and forest owners to promote forest values. We are grateful for the opportunity to continue developing this technology together with our new partners,” said Lars Svensson, CEO of NFA.

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Investment to accelerate development
By supporting the operator, the NFA system makes harvesting more cost-efficient, which improves profitability for forest owners. In addition, the technology creates new opportunities for local forest adaptations, and enables systematic and cost-efficient execution of alternative forest management methods that promote biodiversity and carbon storage.

The new investment will enable NFA to further accelerate the pace of its development. In 2022 and 2023, the system was tested in pilot projects with SCA and Sveaskog and in the autumn of 2023, the company will start rolling out preseries products with Södra, Sveaskog and SCA.

“The investment and close collaboration with forest companies means that we can deploy the systems at an early stage and continue working closely with the operators. This is absolutely essential for building systems that can make a real difference out in the forest – for both operators and forest owners,” said Lars Svensson.

Better opportunities for forest owners
NFA’s operator support can be retrofitted to any type of forest harvester and supports operators in forest management decisions. The system measures, positions and classifies all trees around the machine automatically and in real time. It also gives the position of the machine and cutting head with centimetre accuracy. Data on each individual tree is continuously collected and delivered to the forest owner together with a report, enabling increased transparency, quality assurance of the harvesting and new opportunities for forest owners to apply alternative methods of management.

This factor and an improved work environment for machine operators are some of the reasons for Södra Ädla’s investment.

“We are delighted with our investment in NFA. The company’s AI-based operator support is a good example of the business models and technology that Södra Ädla wants, and intends, to invest in. The technology makes thinning easier and more precise, and enables a wider range of forestry measures. The technology also makes thinning easier for operators, which could eventually attract more contractors and forest machine operators to the industry. NFA’s technology generates direct value for forest estates and we are looking forward to contributing to the company’s development,” said Erik Bengtson, Investment Manager for Södra Ädla.

For contact or further information, please contact:

Lars Svensson, CEO, Nordic Forestry Automation
Tel: +46 (0)734-60 68 34
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Erik Bengtson, Investment Manager, Södra Ädla
Tel: +46 (0)340-63 34 32
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Södra was founded in 1938 on the idea that we are stronger together. We are now the largest forest-owner association in Sweden, with 52,000 family forest owners as members. Together, Södra’s members own a world-leading industry that processes forest raw material into renewable products such as pulp, timber, building systems, liquid bioproducts and energy. About 3,300 people are employed in our forest industry and in 2022, Södra generated sales of SEK 33 billion. Our products are exported all over the world and together, we are contributing to a more natural way of living. Rooted in the forest, we grow the future.

Toscotec has successfully launched a new digital online Training Center, which offers in-depth and continuously updated technical information and user-friendly education tools. The onboarding of 10 tissue producers was completed in only three months. 

Based on Voith’s web portal, the new Training Center has been fully developed and operationalized by Toscotec. The responsible team composed of Pietro Morrica (Training Technical Manager and Sales Support), Lorenzo Melani (Technical Coordinator), and Gabriele Belli (Technical Writer), answered a few questions to point out its key features.

What does the Training Center offer?
Pietro Morrica: First and foremost, it offers immediate access to a very comprehensive set of technical information anytime and on any device. It gives customers on-demand learning tools for their new technology so that they can promptly and independently learn about and resolve many problems that require expert knowledge to fix whenever they occur. 

Toscotec’s Documentation team (from right to left): Pietro Morrica, Training Technical Manager and Sales Support; Lorenzo Melani, Technical Coordinator; Gabriele Belli, Technical Writer. Toscotec’s Documentation team (from right to left): Pietro Morrica, Training Technical Manager and Sales Support; Lorenzo Melani, Technical Coordinator; Gabriele Belli, Technical Writer.

What kind of training can you find in the Training Center?
Pietro Morrica: Both topic-based Training Presentations and animated E-Learning Video Procedures for all tissue mill equipment from Stock Preparation, Main Machine, Support Sub Systems, all the way through Finished Roll Handling after Rewinders. The topic-based Training Presentations gives easy to understand explanations of the technical and functional concepts of Toscotec’s supplied equipment, how to set up the equipment properly, so those concepts work during operation, as well as in depth mechanical and electrical maintenance details of the various systems. Let’s take for instance the Shoe Press, a user will find all information relating to its mechanical structure and working theory, the hydraulic P&ID diagrams with explanations of the lubrication system components and function, its DCS operation (the tilt and all settings and adjustments), troubleshooting guides, and so on. In brief, all things Shoe Press from any point of view are included and easily accessible. 

What about the E-learning part? 
Lorenzo Melani: The E-Learning part is specifically designed for maintenance purposes, as it uses both animations and recorded video/pictures of actual equipment to clearly show each step of various maintenance procedures of the complex electro-mechanical automation systems. Firstly, being web-based, it can be accessed from any kind of device - pc, tablet, phone, or even augmented reality glasses/visor – on the mill floor while directly in front of the equipment. Secondly, operators can watch the video procedure they need to perform while doing it; they can simply play and pause the procedure as they go along. Finally, it is custom and all-inclusive, in the sense that Toscotec will work directly with a customer to develop whatever they will need and give suggestions according to our experience so all the information they need will be there. Before, maintenance operators worked with static mechanical assembly drawings, which required experience and advanced mechanical skills but don’t offer any electrical and automation detail. Or they had static procedures that gave limited sense of exactly which actions are needed. With Toscotec’s E-Learning, we go from that level of abstraction and compartmentalized information to the reality of on demand, in the field, motion demonstrated, access to any information (mechanical, electrical, and control-related) in an easy to follow and immediate manner. 

What does continuous update mean and why does it matter?
Gabriele Belli: Toscotec custom develops the training using the project specific 3D drawings of its technology in order to guarantee that the information given matches the actual machine installed at the mill. For operators and maintenance personnel on site, it is vital that the user manual, the topic-based Training Presentations and E-Learning are spot on to what’s actually in front of them. We are in charge of continuous information updates in the Training Center, and it is a task we carry out daily. If there is an engineering change in the field, we can easily adjust the online material to match. So anytime someone goes online to view the information, the person is assured they are accessing the absolute latest and greatest design version.

Contact
Lorenzo Melani
Technical Coordinator, Documentation Department Toscotec 
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Valmet will supply a new high-capacity winder to Gascogne Papier in France. The winder will be delivered for the paper machine PM 7 at their Mimizan site. The start-up of the machine is scheduled for 2025.

The order is included in Valmet's orders received of the second quarter 2023. The value of the order will not be disclosed.

“This winder will be a key contributor to the top-level quality of our future papers, which will reinforce the current positioning of Gascogne Papier as a world leading kraft paper producer,” says Régis Laffont, Industrial Director, Gascogne Papier.

“To meet their high capacity and quality targets, the customer was searching for a supplier capable of providing a high-quality winder. Our solution and expertise reassured them and confirmed that we are a frontrunner in the winding technology,” says Yannick Duperrier, Senior Mill Sales Manager, EMEA Area, Valmet.

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Technical information about the delivery

Valmet's delivery will include a high-capacity OptiWin two-drum compact winder that has a wide production range with different widths and diameters of shipping rolls. As a key solution for high-quality multi-roll winding, the winder is equipped with pro-active dual spreading.

The winder is also equipped with an automated butt-joint splicing for achieving the customer’s high-capacity targets. In addition, the delivery will include a wide site service for easier project handling, maintenance master data, Slitter Management Program, a spare parts package, and Valmet Industrial Internet solutions, such as Valmet Winder Diagnostics.

PM 7 produces natural machine-glazed and sack kraft paper grades. The new winder will handle parent rolls with a width of 6,870 mm and a diameter of 3,200 mm. The paper machine’s design speed is 1,300 m/min and the daily design capacity is 450 tons.

About the customer

Gascogne Papier is one of Groupe Gascogne’s four businesses. Gascogne was founded in 1925 in the Landes area of southwestern France. Gascogne Papier offers a wide range of natural, technical, and innovative papers for packaging and industry. Gascogne Papier is a long-time leader in natural unbleached Kraft paper. Their integrated pulp and paper plant located in Mimizan, France produces 150,000 tons annually on four paper machines and one coating machine.

For further information, please contact: 
Kari Räisänen, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Board and Paper Mills, Paper business line, Valmet, tel. +358 40 518 0567
Esa Ananin, Product Sales Manager, Board and Paper Mills, Paper business line, Valmet, tel. +358 46 923 3643

Valmet is a leading global developer and supplier of process technologies, automation and services for the pulp, paper and energy industries. With our automation systems and flow control solutions we serve an even wider base of process industries. Our 17,500 professionals around the world work close to our customers and are committed to moving our customers’ performance forward – every day.

The company has over 220 years of industrial history and a strong track record in continuous improvement and renewal. In 2022, a major milestone was achieved when the flow control company Neles was merged into Valmet. Valmet’s net sales in 2022 were approximately EUR 5.1 billion.  

Valmet’s shares are listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki and the head office is in Espoo, Finland.      

Follow us on valmet.com

International technology group ANDRITZ has received an order from Roseburg Forest Products Co. to supply a complete fiber preparation line for medium density fiberboard (MDF) production to its new mill in Dillard, Oregon, USA. This investment is part of Roseburg’s major program to upgrade and expand its manufacturing operations. Start-up is planned for the third quarter of 2025.

Jim Salchenberg, Director of Engineering and Construction, Roseburg, says: “Superior fiber properties are crucial to manufacture technically advanced medium density fiberboard products. We are convinced that the well-proven refining technology from ANDRITZ will meet our expectations and look forward to a successful partnership.”

With a capacity of 40 bdmt/h, the new line will process timber from Roseburg’s own 243,000 hectares of timberlands. The state-of-the-art pressurized refining system featuring an S2064 M single-disc refiner and a 74” digester including C-feeder will be the centerpieces of the new fiber preparation line. An innovative 24” plug screw feeder will provide high dewatering efficiency ahead of the high-pressure zone to ensure low consumption of electrical and thermal energy – a major benefit of ANDRITZ pressurized refining systems.

From left to right: Christoph Leitner, Sales Manager, ANDRITZ; Jake Hyland, Director of Sales, ANDRITZ; Michael Rupp, Vice President Panelboard Systems, ANDRITZ; Jim Salchenberg, Director of Engineering, Construction, Automation & Robotics, Roseburg “Photo: ANDRITZ”. From left to right: Christoph Leitner, Sales Manager, ANDRITZ; Jake Hyland, Director of Sales, ANDRITZ; Michael Rupp, Vice President Panelboard Systems, ANDRITZ; Jim Salchenberg, Director of Engineering, Construction, Automation & Robotics, Roseburg “Photo: ANDRITZ”.

Roseburg Forest Products Co., founded in 1936 in Roseburg, Oregon, is a family-owned company specialized in the manufacturing of high-quality, sustainably harvested wood-based products for the North American market.

ANDRITZ GROUP

International technology group ANDRITZ offers a broad portfolio of innovative plants, equipment, systems, services and digital solutions for a wide range of industries and end markets. Sustainability is an integral part of the company’s business strategy and corporate culture. With its extensive portfolio of sustainable products and solutions, ANDRITZ aims to make the greatest possible contribution to a sustainable future and help its customers achieve their sustainability goals. ANDRITZ is a global market leader in all four of its business areas – Pulp & Paper, Metals, Hydro and Separation. Technological leadership and global presence are cornerstones of the group’s strategy, which is focused on long-term profitable growth. The publicly listed group has around 29,700 employees and over 280 locations in more than 40 countries.

ANDRITZ PULP & PAPER

ANDRITZ Pulp & Paper provides sustainable technology, automation, and service solutions for the production of all types of pulp, paper, board and tissue. The technologies and services focus on increased production efficiency, lower overall operating costs as well as innovative decarbonization strategies and autonomous plant operation.

Valmet has been selected to supply an OptiFlo Layering Fourdrinier headbox with Aqua layering technology, Valmet Conical Refiners Pro and Conflo to Shree Ajit Pulp and Paper Limited for their Unit 2 Mill at Vapi, Gujarat in India. The start-up is planned for the first quarter 2024.

The order is included in Valmet’s order received of the second quarter 2023. The value of the order will not be disclosed. 

valmet logo rgb“Valmet’s latest technologies will enable us to produce lightweight end products. We are proud of this step and the association with Valmet to differentiate ourselves in the Indian market. This will be the first installation of these novel headbox technologies in India. The next step would be to automate the machine and process systems with Valmet’s solutions,” says Gautam D Shah, Chairman and Managing Director, Shree Ajit Pulp and Paper Limited.

“We are pleased to be Shree Ajit’s partner supporting them to achieve their business goals. The new headbox technologies with proven references in Europe and Asia will bring the possibility to produce a two-layer sheet using only one headbox and one forming unit. The layering headbox with the patented Aqua layering technology produces a disturbance-free, purely layered structure that boosts strength properties,” says Varun Jain, Director, India Region, Asia Pacific, Valmet.

Technical information of the delivery

The delivery includes an OptiFlo Layering Fourdrinier headbox with Aqua layering technology as well as new generation Valmet Conical Refiners Pro and Conflo for producing microfibrillated cellulose (MFC). Valmet Conical Refiner Pro with its higher installed power throughput raises the refining efficiency, achieving a good fibrillation of the fibers without cutting.

The delivery also includes a Valmet IQ Quality Control System (QCS), a Valmet IQ Dilution Profiler and a Valmet IQ Steam Profiler. The end products will be kraft liner and white top testliner.

Information about Shree Ajit Pulp and Paper Limited

Shree Ajit Pulp and Paper Limited is one of the top kraft paper manufacturers in India. They manufacture premium grade kraft paper with a basis weight range of 70–350 g/m2 in their existing plant and plan to manufacture 45–150 g/m2 in the new plant. Their products are 100% recycled and used by various companies in India and globally.

For further information, please contact:
Varun Jain, Director, India Region, Asia Pacific, Valmet, tel. +91 96548 13696
Marko Oinonen, Sales Director, Asia Pacific, Board and Paper Mills, Paper business line, Valmet, tel. +358 50 562 7240

Valmet is a leading global developer and supplier of process technologies, automation and services for the pulp, paper and energy industries. With our automation systems and flow control solutions we serve an even wider base of process industries. Our 17,500 professionals around the world work close to our customers and are committed to moving our customers’ performance forward – every day.

The company has over 220 years of industrial history and a strong track record in continuous improvement and renewal. In 2022, a major milestone was achieved when the flow control company Neles was merged into Valmet. Valmet’s net sales in 2022 were approximately EUR 5.1 billion. 

Valmet’s shares are listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki and the head office is in Espoo, Finland.     

Follow us on valmet.com

UNIPAKHELLAS Central (UHC), a member of INDEVCO Group, have started up a paper machine and a slitter winder delivered by Toscotec as the main machinery supplier at their Pelasgia mill in Greece. The new line (PM5) is manufacturing high quality test liner and fluting grades for the Greek and international markets. 

PM5 has a wire width of 3,000 mm, a maximum operating speed of 800 m/min and produces corrugated paper in the range from 90 to 200 gsm using 100% waste fibres. It features a two-layer Fourdrinier configuration with a hydraulic TT Headbox-SL. It is equipped with Toscotec’s shoe press TT Xpress, TT SteelDryers in the dryer section, as well as a hard nip calender, a hydraulic pope reel and the tail threading system. The scope is completed by mechanical drives, an enclosed hood, and air and ventilation systems. INDEVCO, through its engineering company Phoenix, realized all the auxiliary plants. 

Imad Issa El Khoury, Executive Vice President of INDEVCO Paper Making, says, “This was great teamwork between INDEVCO, Toscotec and other European collaborators during the pandemic to achieve successful results and a promising future for UNIPAKHELLAS.” 

UNIPAKHELLAS Central and Toscotec’s teams at UHC paper mill in Pelasgia, Greece. UNIPAKHELLAS Central and Toscotec’s teams at UHC paper mill in Pelasgia, Greece.

Francesco Possenti, Paper & Board Technical Manager Toscotec, says, “The successful completion of this project is a great satisfaction. Toscotec realized the new line from a greenfield, including the building layout, the civil works and the entire paper machine from the headbox to the rewinder. Throughout the project when we were faced with challenges including the pandemic, local authorizations, erection and auxiliaries, the excellent cooperation with UHC made all the difference and we managed to effectively overcome every single issue together.”

About UNIPAKHELLAS S.A.
Established in 2008, UNIPAKHELLAS S.A. is an international company and member of INDEVCO Group, a multinational corporation with diversified manufacturing, technical and consultancy services. UNIPAKHELLAS operates several facilities in Greece, including locations in Athens, Pelasgia, Thiva, Thessaloniki and Crete. It has a leading role in the paper and packaging market with a strong belief in the need to develop innovative, eco-friendly solutions. 

Contact
Enrico Fazio
Sales Director, Paper & Board division Toscotec
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Valmet will deliver two TwinRoll wash presses to Holmen Iggesund Paperboard’s Iggesund Mill in Sweden. The start-up is scheduled for October 2024.

The order is included in Valmet’s orders received of the second quarter 2023. The value of the order will not be disclosed.

“We are happy to cooperate with Holmen once again and deliver two additional Valmet TwinRoll wash presses to their mill in Iggesund. The wash presses will help them improve the efficiency of the hardwood bleach plant,” says Mikael Gustafsson, Senior Sales Manager, Fiberline Sales, Pulp and Energy business line, Valmet.

Holmen’s paperboard mill located in Iggesund, Sweden, has a total annual capacity of 330,000 tonnes of solid bleached board (SBB). Photo: Rolf AnderssonHolmen’s paperboard mill located in Iggesund, Sweden, has a total annual capacity of 330,000 tonnes of solid bleached board (SBB). Photo: Rolf Andersson

Technical information about the delivery

Valmet's scope of supply includes two TwinRoll wash presses TRPE-940 including process piping, mechanical erection, basic engineering, commissioning, start-up, process support and advisory services.

Valmet also continues to support Holmen Iggesund to maximize reliability and optimize the performance of the fiberline and cooking through a three-year Performance Agreement. The agreement covers continuous support and collaboration for operation and process evaluations, on-site services, and reports. The agreement includes customer support from Valmet’s global network of experts through Valmet Performance Center and various Industrial Internet services.

Information about Holmen 

Holmen’s business is built around the forest ecocycle and the renewable products they can create from it. Holmen’s business areas are Forest, Renewable Energy, Wood Products, Paperboard and Paper. With a workforce of 3,500 people, Holmen generates sales of around SEK 23 billion. The mill in Iggesund is a fully integrated pulp and paperboard factory which produces solid bleach board made from fresh fibres sourced from the responsible forestry operations of Holmen Forest. The mill in Iggesund employs around 800 people.

For further information, please contact:
Mikael Gustafsson, Senior Sales Manager, Fiberline Sales, Pulp and Energy, Valmet, tel. +46 70 653 38 09

Read more about the Performance Agreement with Holmen Iggesund: Increasing profitability and pulp production capability by improving performance at Holmen Iggesund

Valmet is a leading global developer and supplier of process technologies, automation and services for the pulp, paper and energy industries. With our automation systems and flow control solutions we serve an even wider base of process industries. Our 17,500 professionals around the world work close to our customers and are committed to moving our customers’ performance forward – every day.

The company has over 220 years of industrial history and a strong track record in continuous improvement and renewal. In 2022, a major milestone was achieved when the flow control company Neles was merged into Valmet. Valmet’s net sales in 2022 were approximately EUR 5.1 billion.

Valmet’s shares are listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki and the head office is in Espoo, Finland.    

Follow us on valmet.com

Voith Paper is helping paper manufacturers significantly increase their energy efficiency. Using customized auditing and process analysis methods, the leading full-line supplier offers innovative solutions to improve processes and increase efficiency. This allows paper manufacturers to understand the big picture of their energy consumption and find clear ways to reduce it.

  • Energy audits performed by Voith Paper have achieved significant energy savings in areas such steam and condensate, air handling and vacuum systems
  • Papermakers can choose from a variety of energy audits, including desktop audits, on-site overview audits and detailed on-site audits
  • Customers are reporting a 10 to 20 percent savings on their total energy costs

"An on-site overview audit provides the customer with an up-to-date overview of the main energy saving measures and opportunities," says Eduardo Fernandes, Process Engineer Sustainability Audits at Voith Paper. "Using specially developed toolboxes and checklists covering 20 key areas, the energy savings are assessed, including a project list and an estimate of the investment budget and payback period. The results provide a valuable baseline and work list for the future. Typically, energy savings are in the range of 10 to 20 percent of current total energy costs. Especially in light of rising energy costs and sustainability requirements, an energy audit is a good choice."

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Voith offers a range of services, including desktop audits, on-site overview audits and detailed on-site audits:

  • Desktop audits use customer information such as equipment data and trends to provide an effective overview of energy consumption and identify ways to reduce it. The paper manufacturer receives a report with analysis, industry benchmarking, best available technologies and possible optimization projects. For example, with a successful energy audit for an Asian paper mill, Voith experts identified 34 projects that saved 20 percent in energy costs and reduced the carbon footprint by 35.7 percent.
  • The on-site overview audit is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of energy consumption and a detailed analysis. This service solution includes, for example, collecting details from on-site systems, reviewing documents and assessing leakages and bottlenecks. A successful overview audit in Germany resulted in a reduction of more than 30 percent in gas consumption and savings of almost 18 percent in electrical energy. To achieve this, 28 individual projects were successfully implemented.
  • A detailed on-site audit includes the collection of details from specific systems such as vacuum, steam, condensate and air treatment. With the help of special on-site measurement tools, a realistic operating scenario and a detailed study of the specific system are created. The report includes a calculation design as well as innovative ideas for process improvement and increased energy efficiency. Voith also offers support in the implementation of the projects. For example, thanks to a detailed audit at a paper mill, potential improvements in the vacuum system were identified. By making simple adjustments and without capital expenditure, energy savings of 21 percent were subsequently achieved.

Papermaking for Life sustainability program
As part of the "Papermaking for Life" innovation and development offensive, Voith Paper is presenting versatile technologies and initiatives that lead to more efficient and sustainable processes in papermaking. The focus is on water, energy and fiber savings as well as digitalization, innovations and partnerships as levers for more sustainable production. Another focus is on Voith's own activities at its locations worldwide. Learn more about Voith Paper's innovations in the area of sustainability: voith.com/papermaking-for-life/energy

About Voith Paper 
The Voith Group is a global technology company. With its broad portfolio of systems, products, services and digital applications, Voith sets standards in the markets of energy, paper, raw materials and transport & automotive. Founded in 1867, the company today has around 21,000 employees, sales of € 4.9 billion and locations in over 60 countries worldwide and is thus one of the larger family-owned companies in Europe.

The Group Division Voith Paper is part of the Voith Group. As the full-line supplier to the paper industry, it provides the largest range of technologies, services and products on the market and offers paper manufacturers holistic solutions from one source. The company’s continuous stream of innovations facilitates resource-conserving production and helps customers minimize their carbon footprint. With its leading automation products and digitalization solutions from the Papermaking 4.0 portfolio, Voith offers its customers state-of-the-art digital technologies to improve plant availability and efficiency for all sections of the production process.

Tuesday, 18 July 2023 10:24

#VoithCares funding program continues

The #VoithCares program was launched this fiscal year together with the Hanns Voith Foundation. Through the program, Voith financially supports the volunteer work of employees throughout the world. A total of 50,000 euros has been donated to nonprofits. For the next fiscal year, employee activities are being sought to receive funding.

  • Funding of 50 social projects planned for the coming fiscal year
  • Applications from Voith employees now open
  • Impressive response in the first year

Social responsibility is more than just a buzzword for the global technology group Voith: the company directly funds education and training, science and research, and social, sports, and cultural activities worldwide. To support their socially involved Voithians, the company launched #VoithCares. Through active employee nominations, 50 organizations and their measures were selected and given financial support. Each of 26 projects in Europe and Africa received 1,000 euros. Among others, the Crailsheim child protection association, the Heidenheim wind orchestra, and an education initiative for children in Ghana were supported. Nine projects from nonprofit organizations in North America, nine in Asia and six projects in South America also received funding. The workforce response was overwhelming – almost 100 applications were received.

Due to its huge success, the initiative is now continuing for another round. Voith is inviting employees at all of its locations throughout the world to submit nonprofit projects.

“Social responsibility is important to us at Voith Paper, and I am proud of the exceptional response and commitment of our employees to the #VoithCares program,” says Andreas Endters, President & CEO Voith Paper. “In the upcoming fiscal year, we will support additional social projects worldwide to have a positive impact on education, social issues, and culture. Our employees are the key to our success.”

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In fiscal 2023–24, 50 projects from all over the world will be selected and funded with a maximum 1,000 euros each by the Voith Group and the Hanns Voith Foundation within the scope of the program. Voith employees can submit applications until the end of September. The donations will then be made in the following fiscal year. Voith will report on the selected organizations and measures on a regular basis.

About #VoithCares
As part of the #VoithCares program, Voith and the Hanns Voith Foundation annually award financial support to a select number of employee-nominated projects and nonprofits, in which the employees also personally volunteer. Nominated projects must align with Voith’s DNA, “sustainable technologies for future generations," and fall into the categories of digitalization; technology, innovation and decarbonization; or social causes. Projects selected benefit children, youth, young adults or those who are disadvantaged. Through the #VoithCares program, the company supports both employees and nonprofits in the communities Voith serves around the world and encourages employees to volunteer in their local communities so we can make the world a little better – together.

About the Voith Group
The Voith Group is a global technology company. With its broad portfolio of systems, products, services and digital applications, Voith sets standards in the markets of energy, paper, raw materials and transport & automotive. Founded in 1867, the company today has around 20,000 employees, sales of €4.3 billion and locations in over 60 countries worldwide and is thus one of the larger family-owned companies in Europe.

The Group Division Voith Paper is part of the Voith Group. As the full-line supplier to the paper industry, it provides the largest range of technologies, services and products on the market and offers paper manufacturers holistic solutions from one source. The company’s continuous stream of innovations facilitates resource-conserving production and helps customers minimize their carbon footprint. With its leading automation products and digitalization solutions from the Papermaking 4.0 portfolio, Voith offers its customers state-of-the-art digital technologies to improve plant availability and efficiency for all sections of the production process.

International technology group ANDRITZ received an order from Norske Skog Skogn to supply a thermomechanical pulping (TMP) line for its newsprint mill in Levanger, Norway.

The ANDRITZ solution combines secondhand and new equipment to provide a customized package that precisely fits the local conditions.

The new line will allow Norske Skog Skogn to change its raw material mix and thus reduce variable costs and the environmental impact of its operations, in particular NOx emissions, fossil CO2 emissions, and landfilled waste.

  Norske Skog Skogn, Levanger Norway © Hattrem Norske Skog Skogn, Levanger Norway © Hattrem

“With this investment, we are taking an important step in securing Norske Skog Skogn’s long-term competitiveness, and we will further improve our environmental performance,” says Managing Director Håvard Busklein at Norske Skog Skogn AS. “We wanted a solution that would make the best possible use of the available space and existing equipment. The ANDRITZ team offered us a smartly engineered solution that precisely meets our needs.”

The new line will have the capacity to produce 100,000 tons of thermomechanical pulp per year and is scheduled to start operating in the first half of 2024. Various used machines will be refurbished and upgraded and combined with new equipment.

The scope of supply includes:

  • a new LC refiner, type TF58
  • refurbishment of the pre-treatment equipment
  • a secondhand first stage refiner, type RGP76CD-A, with ANDRITZ control system
  • refurbishment of secondary stage refiner, type RGP65

Norske Skog is a world leading producer of publication paper with strong market positions and customer relations in Europe and Australasia. Norske Skog aims to further diversify its operations and continue its growth through a range of energy and bio product development projects. The Group is headquartered in Norway and has approximately 2,100 employees.

ANDRITZ GROUP
International technology group ANDRITZ offers a broad portfolio of innovative plants, equipment, systems, services and digital solutions for a wide range of industries and end markets. Sustainability is an integral part of the company’s business strategy and corporate culture. With its extensive portfolio of sustainable products and solutions, ANDRITZ aims to make the greatest possible contribution to a sustainable future and help its customers achieve their sustainability goals. ANDRITZ is a global market leader in all four of its business areas – Pulp & Paper, Metals, Hydro and Separation. Technological leadership and global presence are cornerstones of the group’s strategy, which is focused on long-term profitable growth. The publicly listed group has around 29,700 employees and over 280 locations in more than 40 countries.

ANDRITZ PULP & PAPER
ANDRITZ Pulp & Paper provides sustainable technology, automation, and service solutions for the production of all types of pulp, paper, board and tissue. The technologies and services focus on increased production efficiency, lower overall operating costs as well as innovative decarbonization strategies and autonomous plant operation.

The product portfolio also includes boilers for power generation, flue gas cleaning systems, various nonwoven technologies, and panelboard (MDF) production systems. With waste-to-value recycling, shredding and energy solutions, waste and by-product streams from production are converted into valuable secondary raw materials as well as into sustainable resources for energy generation. State-of-the-art IIoT technologies as part of Metris digitalization solutions complete the comprehensive product offering.

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